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HISTORY 



OF THE 



Ml NTH 

P egiment I llinois (a valry 



VOLUNTEERS. 



PUBLISHED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE HISTORICAL COMMITTEE 
OF THE REGIMENT : 



John H. Carpenter, 
Anthony R. Mock, 
Charles L. Pullman, 
Hiram A. Hawkins, 



Harry B. Burgh, 
Joseph W. Harper, 
Patrick V. Fitzpatrick, 
John T. Showalter. 



EDITED BY 

EDWARD A. DAVENPORT, 
CHICAGO. 

1888. 



<? 






^ 






Chicago: 

DONOHUE & HENNEBERRY, 

Printers and Binders. 






In Memorial Iball 

At Springfield, 111., in care of the State, are two of the 

old standards of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 

and a shield on which is inscribed, 

officially, the following battles : 




t 



HISTORICAL COMMITTEE'S NOTICE. 



A PERIOD of over twenty years had gone by, and no history of the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry Volunteers had been written. The Comrades, often 
as they met, would speak on this subject, and discuss the desirability of such a 
work; still no definite plan was proposed. 

Finally, at the Reunion in Chicago in 1886, the subject was earnestly discussed 
and all present expressed a desire that something be done, and it was thought that 
a plan was proposed and would be carried out whereby we should at last have a 
history written; still the matter dragged and appeared not to assume tangible 
form. 

At the Reunion in Rock Island, in September, 1887, the pressure was increased, 
and it was said: " We must have a history." 

A Committee was appointed of the following named gentlemen: J. H. Car- 
penter, H. B. Burgh, J. W. Harper, A. R. Mock and C. L. Pullman, to examine 
and report on a partially written history by one of our Comrades. This Commit- 
tee made repeated efforts to see and pass upon the merits of the work of said Com- 
rade, but were never able to gain his consent to a full examination of the same, 
and finally gave up all hope of a history in that direction. 

A part of the Committee met in Chicago, December 7, 1887, and after discuss- 
ing the question very fully, concluded to enlarge the Committee already named by 
adding the following Comrades: J. T. Showalter, P. V. Fitzpatrick, and H. A. 
Hawkins, to be known as the Historical Committee op the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry Veteran Association. 

An arrangement was made with Comrade E. A. Davenport, as Historian, and, 
because of his long connection with the Regiment, and as one in whom the Com- 
mittee, and we believe all Comrades of the Ninth, have full confidence to compile 
an impartial history of the Regiment. The details of the work was laid out, and 
a beginning was at once made, and it was contemplated to have, if possible, the 
work completed by the time of the Reunion in the fall of 1888. Circulars and 
letters were sent out to every Comrade whose address was known, to secure finan- 
cial aid and historical matter of all sorts to aid the Historian in the preparation 
of this work. 

The plan of the book was left largely in the hands of Comrade Davenport. 
While the magnitude of the undertaking was not fully realized at the inception, 
and more time and money have been required for its completion than was antici- 
pated, we trust the volume will be satisfactory to those for whom it was written. 

We are glad to be able to present the portraits of a few of our Comrades. 

(v) 



VI HISTORICAL COMMITTEES NOTICE. 

Some of them do not do full justice to the originals. These have been prepared 
at the personal expense of those whose faces appear, or their friends. 

Very many upon whom the Committee and Historian relied to aid have failed 
entirely to respond, and thus additional labor has fallen upon the editor in the 
preparation of this work, and if some of the accounts as written are imperfect, 
the blame can not justly be placed upon the Historian, for many of the details 
narrated have only been obtained after repeated and persistent effort on his part, 
and those who failed to respond in any way must not complain if the History 
does not recount the facts or incidents of which they have knowledge. 

If our Comrades, after a careful perusal of the book, shall give it their 
approval as a truthful, well-written History, we shall be amply compensated for 
our labors. Cherishing, as we do, the memory of every Comrade, whether living 
or dead, and proud of the fact that we were privileged to be with them in those 
days when the deeds here recorded were performed, and justly proud of the 
glorious record of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, we submit this History, with 
the earnest hope that it will meet the approval of our surviving Comrades, their 
families and friends. 

In behalf of the Ninth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Cavalry Associa- 
tion: 

John H. Carpenter, Chairman. 

Chicago, August 1, 1888. 



PREFACE. 



TO me has been assigned, by the Historical Committee, the pleasant task of 
compiling and writing the history of the gallant Regiment with which it was 
my good fortune to be associated during the whole period of its existence, a term 
of over four years' duration — a period in which not only the fate of this Nation 
was at stake, but the great problem of self-government, as well, hung in the 
balance. 

This trust was accepted with reluctance and a degree of diffidence, as it was 
to me a new and untried field, and I also knew that it would be a very difficult 
and delicate work for any one, more especially after so many years had elapsed, 
and so many of our old companions had passed away; those still living scattered 
far and wide, many of them beyond my reach to consult or in any way to have 
the benefit of their memoranda or recollections. 

As the work has progressed I have found it very difficult to harmonize the 
facts as given in letters and diaries, with the recollections of Comrades or my own 
ideas of the same. 

I have endeavored, so far as possible, to be guided by the written accounts 
made at the time in which the events treated of occurred. 

I have been fortunate in having, as far as it was in their power to render it, 
the cordial support and aid of the Historical Committee; they have been uniformly 
considerate and helpful to me as the Historian of the. gallant Ninth Illinois Cav 
airy. Many of the Comrades, also, to whom I have applied for information, have 
very cheerfully given the use of diaries and letters to aid in the correctness of the 
work, and while I can not mention all who have aided me, it is but justice and a 
pleasure to mention some of those who have frequently and ably assisted me. I 
am indebted to Lieutenant-Colonels Harry B. Burgh and Anthony R. Mock; 
Captains John H. Carpenter, Thomas J. McNair and Henry M. Buel; Lieutenants 
Charles L. Pullman, John T. Showa>ter, Joseph W. Brackett, John R. Eberhart, 
James H. Haslett and James H. Murray; Assistant-Surgeon Stacy Hemenway; and 
Comrades Hiram A. Hawkins, Patrick V. Fitzpatrick, Samuel R. VanSant, Samuel 
D. Cleland, Edward D. Ayers, Edward P. Ott, Charles C. White, Samuel B. 
Davis, Perry B. Bowser, George W. Hall, Thomas W. Eaton, Christopher Sei- 
bert, Malachi Salter, Stewart J. Bailey, William H. Hecker, William Rinker, 
Jesse Hawes, Dwight L. Talcott and Edwin K. Abbott. 

These and a number of other Comrades have given me valuable information ; and 
while to those who have so kindly taken an interest in this work, and have done so 
much to make it a success, I desire to express my hearty thanks, I regret to say 

(vii) 



Vlll PREFACE. 

that a very large number have not shown any interest whatever in the matter, 
and have withheld or neglected to furnish information of many things that I 
ought to have known, and the knowledge of which would have enabled me to 
have done better work in the preparation of this History, and to have made the 
book much more complete. 

Much of this has been written hastily, as it seemed desirable to have the book 
out at as earlj r a day as possible. 

In the preparation of this work I have lived over again the days when the 
events I have endeavored faithfully to portray occurred, and forms and incidents, 
long since forgotten, again rise before me, and I can not realize that a quarter of 
a century has passed since we were actors in those stirring scenes. 

The History I have written is more general in character than I could have 
wished, for I have found it impossible to gather the facts of many a gallant action 
of the soldiers of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, of which, had I been able to 
gain a knowledge, I should have been glad to place upon the enduring page of 
history; but even then words are too poor to fittingly portray the heroism and 
sacrifices of our brave and dauntless patriots. 

With a fidelity to the truth that I trust all will concede, I have endeavored 
to cover, briefly, the more than four years' honorable service of the Regiment. 
How well I have succeeded, I leave it for my Comrades to judge, only asking 
from them the same consideration and forbearance they themselves would wish 
if called upon to tread a like path and perform a similar duty. 

E. A. Davenport. 
Chicago, July 1, 1888. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

Organization of Regiment — Order of the Secretary of War — Letter to Governor 
Yates — Where Recruited — Camp Life — Outfit of Horses— Camp Scenes — 
Discontent — Asking for Orders. 

CHAPTER II. 

Marching Orders — Departure for Benton Barracks, Mo. — Flag Presentation — 
Arrival at Camp Douglas of 5,000 prisoners — Outfit of Arms and Train — 
Departure for Pilot Knob, Mo. — Arrival at Reeves Station, Mo. — Assigned to 
the command of General Steele. 

CHAPTER HI. 

Arrival at Jacksonport, Ark. — Colonel Matlock — Captain Sleepers' Guerillas — 
A Note of Warning — Joining the Army of General Curtis — Murder of 
Privates Jenkins and Pringle — Fight at Waddell Farm. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Abandoning Camp at Jacksonport — Arrival of Rebel Gunboat, — Shelling our 

Camp — Return to "Galloways" — Gunboat Episode — "Price's Army." 

CHAPTER V. 
The Great March through Arkansas — Fight, at Stewart's Plantation —The Killed 
and Wounded — Rebel General Hindman's Proclamation — Hospital Train — 
Celebration of the Fourth of July — Fight at Cache River — Murder of 
Couiers — Arrival at Helena. 

CHAPTER VI. 
Sickness at Helena — Many Sent North — Brass Guns Assigned to the Ninth — 
Fight at La Grange, Ark. — Major Burgh's Expedition with General Wash- 
burn in Mississippi — Capture of the Gun — The Friendship of General 
Washburn. 

CHAPTER VII. 
The Gorman Expedition— Capture of Arkansas Post — St. Charles and the "Little 
Pests"— Return to Helena — Election of two Majors. 

(ix) 



X TABLTi OF CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 
The Regiment Moves to Memphis — To Germantown — New Equipments— Fight- 
ing Forrest's Cavalry — Ladies in Camp — Suicide of a Soldier — Major Burgh's 
Gallant Fight with Chalmers — Skirmishing and Fighting in Tennessee and 
Mississippi— Seuatobia — Cold Water — Panola — Fall of Vicksburg — After Col- 
onel Richardson — Fight of Colonel Hatch at Jackson — Fight at Grenada — 
Capture and Destruction of a Large Amount of Confederate Property — 
Lieutenant Shattuck Cut Off. 

CHAPTER IX. 
March to. La Grange, Tenn. — Organization of Colored Regiments — March to 
the Cold Water and Bolivar — To Pocahontas — Dinner at Colonel Hurst's — 
Three Guerillas Shot— 3x2— Fight at Lockhart's Mill— Salem and Wyatt. 

CHAPTER X. 

Corinth — Sad Fate of Colonel Rogers — Back to Collierville — Raid for Horses — 
Saulsbury — Battle of Moscow — Colonel Hatch Wounded — Letter of Major 
Pierce— Horses Stolen from Camp. 

CHAPTER XL 
Recruiting for the Veteran Service — Forrest's Raid into Tennessee — Lieutenant 
Hillier's Brave Fight at LaFayette — Escape of Forrest — Return of Colonel 
Brackett — Captain Mock at Mount Pleasant — Preparing for the Great Raid. 

CHAPTER XII. 
Raid to West Point — Okalona — Aberdeen — West Point — Fight at the Saukatau- 
chie — Hand-to-Hand Fight of Sergeant Castor — The Retreat Commenced — 
Fight of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry — Fierce Assault of the Rebels — Successful 
Ambush by the Ninth — Stampede of the Third Brigade and Loss of Guns — 
Attempt to Capture Forrest — Destruction of Corn — Return to Germantown. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

The West Point Expedition, by Stuart J. Bailey, late Sergeant of Company G, 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Muster In of the Veterans — Homeward Bound — Speech of General Benton — 
Arrival at Chicago — Reception at the Soldiers' Home — Camp Frve — Back 
to Memphis — The New Supply of Horses and Arms — Guntown — General 
Grierson's Order. 

CHAPTER XV. 

The A. J. Smith Expedition in Mississippi — Fights at Ripley, Pontotoc, Tupelo 
— Charge by Forrest and Lee — Wild Charge of Lieutenant McMahon with 
Two Companies — Death of McMahon — Support Sent to the Charging Com- 
panies—Captain McArthur Wounded — Precarious Position of Captain 
Buel — Attacking the Rebel Breastworks, Many Wounded — Jesse Hawes' 
Cool Assurance when a Prisoner. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. X1 



CHAPTER XVI. 
Second Expedition of A. J. Smith - Hurricane Creek Fight- Flank Move- 
ments-Rebels Driven Away from Their Dinner- Brilliant Maneuver of the 
Ninth under Colonel Burgh-Oldtown Creek- Forrest's Raul on Memphis- 
Attempt to Capture Generals Washburn and Hurlbut - Brave Defense of 
Captain Cook-Colonel Starr Killed - Forrest Driven Out -Regiment to 
White's Station — Muster Out of Non-Veterans. 

CHAPTER XVII. 
The Ninth Marches from White's Station - Clifton and Shoal Creek - Savannah - 
Hood's Army Threatening - Skirmish at Shoal Creek - Severe Fighting on 
the 11th and 19th of November - Captain Harper in Command - Capture of 
Chalmers' Headquarters-Trains and Flags by Captain Mock -Movement to 
Butler Creek -Captain Carpenters Brave Fight on Picket -Capture of 
Couriers with Valuable Dispatches- Hard Fight of Lieutenants Hill.er and 
Niemeyer- Captain Mock's Battalion Cut Off-The Darkey Guide- Adju- 
tant Power a Prisoner -Crossing the Ford and Arrival in Camp. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Lawrenceburg-CaptainMcMannis' Brave Fight-Campbellville-Captain Harper 

Again in Command-Five Sergeants Killed and Many Others Kdled and 
Wounded-Columbia-The Fight at Franklin-Forrest Driven Back Over the 
River-Extract from Hood's Book-The Cavalry at Nashville-In Camp at 
Edgefield. 

CHAPTER XIX. 
The Battle of Nashville-Brentwood-Franklin Pike-Rutherford Creek-Sugar 
Creek— Big Creek— Ross' Farm. 

CHAPTER XX. 

The Ninth Marched to Eastport-To Graveley Springs-Short Rations-Back to 
Eastport-Camp Equipage Received-Promotions in Company A.- lum- 
ing Over Horses and Carbines-Order of General Wilson-Surrender of Lee 
and Assassination of Lincoln-Return of Captain Blackburn-Rebel Soldiers 
Coming in-March to Decatur-Orders of Generals Hatch and Coon-New 
Supply of Horses and Arms-March to Montgomery-Amnesty Officers 
Appointed. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

March to Gainesville-General Hatch's Farewell Address-The Second Iowa 
Cavalry Going Home-Arrest of Two Women-Lieutenant Davenport s Pro- 
test Against Poor Rations-Ordered to Selma and Muster Out-Homeward 
Bound.and the Arrival at Springfield-Colonel Harper's Protest-Final Pay- 
ment and Discharge— "Good bye." 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Personal Sketches of Field and Staff. 



Xll TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 
Brief Sketch of each Company, and Company Officers, and Comrades. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

From the Chicago Tribune, February 17, 1862 — From Adjutant-General of 
Illinois — From Andreas' History of Chicago, 1885. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Prison Life, by C. C. White— Prison Life, by W. H. Hecker. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 
Sketch byH. M. Buel— Sketch by W. H. Hecker— Sketch by T. W. Eaton- 
Sketch by G. M. Keller— Sketch by S. D. Cleland— Sketch by H. A. Haw- 
kins—Sketch by George W. Olmsted— Sketch by E. P. Ott— Sketch by P. B. 
Bowser. 

CHAPTER XXVII. 

Letters from General Hatch — The Shoal Creek Campaign, by Lyman B. Pierce, 
Color-Be trer Second Iowa Cavalry — Letter from E. Devendorf — Letter from 
General D. E. Coon. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 
Samuel VanSant on Picket — Two Marriage Incidents— General Donelson's Mules 
— Presentation to Colonel Burgh — The Recruit on Picket — Execution at 

Memphis. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

Roll of Honor. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

The Wounded and Prisoners. 

INDICES. 

Index Personal Sketches — Index of Illustrations. 



HISTORY OF THE 



9TH REGIMENT ILLINOIS CAVALRY 

VOLUNTEERS. 



CHAPTER I. 



Organization of Regiment — Order of the Secretary of War — 
Letter of Governor Yates — Where Recruited — Camp 
Life — Outfit of Horses — Camp Scenes — Discontent — 
Asking for Orders. 

THE Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers was organized in the fall 
of 1861, by Colonel Albert G. Brackett. At this time it had 
become apparent to the most casual observer of events that the 
leaders of the Rebellion were inaugurating and carrying on that 
which to them had been a long cherished and well matured 
scheme to sever their connection with the Free North, and to 
establish a separate government ; and to attain this result the 
prominent men of the South, many of whom were holding posi- 
tions of honor and trust under the General Government, had been 
working and plotting for years, using all their opportunities to 
the utmost to further their cause. These same leaders, b} 7 all the 
arts of which they were masters, and a fierce determination to 
succeed, aroused the Southern people, and the active support of 
impulsive and ambitious men, who little knowing and caring less 
for the fearful cost of war, rushed forward to aid in achieving, 

13 



14 HISTORY OF THE 

as they said, independence and a place among nations as a sepa- 
rate State, styled the Confederate States of America, 

In those early days, with the preparations that had been 
going on for years, the seceding States were in much better shape 
to place large armies in the field than was the North. 

For four years during the weak administration of President 
Buchanan, the management of affairs at Washington had been 
largely under the control of traitors to their country. Jefferson 
Davis, in the Senate, Floyd, Secretary of War, had been scatter- 
ing our navy and sending arms and munitions of war to various 
points in the South where, when the time came, they could be 
turned over to the seceding States or easily captured by them 
So when the election of Abraham Lincoln took place in 1860, 
and it appeared that they could no longer count on the aid of 
Northern dough-faces to bulldoze the Nation in their interest, 
they seized upon the pretext that their favorite doctrine of 
" States Rights " was to be infringed upon, to withdraw from the 
federation of States, and one after another passed ordinances of 
secession from the Union. 

'Now it became known that a great struggle Avas upon us, and 
the Government set itself vigorously to work to organize an army 
to put down armed treason in the land. 

The original call of the President was for 75,000 volunteers. 
Then another call was made for 300,000, soon followed by the 
third call for 300,000 more. 

To each and all of these calls, the patriotic men of the North 
responded promptly, and more men offered their services than 
would be needed, or could be speedily equipped and put into the 
field. 

They came from the East, the West, the North, not many 
from the South, and offered their services to maintain the suprem- 
acy of the Government and the honor of the Old Flag. 

At this time Col. A. G. Brackett of the regular army, was au- 
thorized by the Secretary of War to raise a regiment of Cavalry 
at the West. Authority for the same was contained in the fol- 
lowing order: 

Wau Department, 6th August, 1861. 

Captain Albert G. Brackett, of the Second Regiment United States Cavalry, is 
permitted to go to Illinois, or any other of the Western States, for the purpose of 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 15 

raising a regiment of volunteers to serve during the war. Whenever ready, they 

will be mustered into the service by companies, and subsisted, clothed, and 

equipped by the United States. For this purpose a furlough for one month from 

the 10th inst. is allowed him. 

[Signed] Simon Cameron, 

Secretary of War. 

At this early clay it was not supposed that much cavalry would 
be required, and it was understood that this regiment would be the 
" First Western Cavalry." This, however, proved not to be the 
case, and it was only for a very short time that the regiment was 
so designated, as will be apparent from the following letters. The 
question of the first name and designation of our regiment having 
frequently been discussed by comrades, I have taken pains to in- 
vestigate the official record in regard to the same, and I find on 
file in the Adjutant General's office in Springfield, 111., but two 
letters or papers in which the regiment is designated otherwise 
than as the " Ninth Illinois Cavalry. " These two are subjoined: 

Chicago, Ills., Sept. 30, 1861. 
To His Excellency Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois: 

Sir: — On the 6th day of August, 1861, Honorable Simon Cameron, Secretary 
of War, authorized me to raise a regiment of mounted volunteers in the Western 
States. Acting on this authority, I have been at work, and have nearly organized 
a regiment which I have named the " First Western Cavalry." Will your Ex- 
cellency be kind enough to recognize the regiment, and, if deemed advisable, in- 
corporate it among the Illinois troops. 

I would respectfully ask Tour Excellency to make the following appoint- 
ments, viz. : 

Albert G. Brackett to be Colonel, September 1, 1861; Wesley Owens to be 
Lieutenant-Colonel, September 1, 1861; Ilosell M. Hough to be Major, September 
27, 1851; Hiram F. Sickles to be Major, September 24, 1861; Hector J. Humphrey 
to be Major, September 25, 1861; Joseph H. Knox to be Adjutant, September 14, 
1861; Samuel H. Price to be Quartermaster, September 14, 1861; James W. 
Brackett to be Surgeon, September 10, 1861; William A. Knox to be Assistant- 
Surgeon, September 19, 1861; O. Winsor Briggs, to be Chaplain, September 25, 
1861. 

Company A. — Captain, Harry B. Burgh, from September 18, 1861; First 
Lieutenant, William C. Blackburn, from September 18, 1861; Second Lieutenant, 
William M. Benton, from September 18, 1861. 

Company B. — Captain, Hector J. Humphrey, from September 19, 1861 — 
promoted Major, September 25, 1861; First Lieutenant, Thaddeus W. O. Braffett, 
September 19, 1861 — prumoted Captain, September 25, 1861. 

Company C. — Captain, John S. Buckles, from September 19, 1861; First 
Lieutenant, Charles W. Blakemore, from September 19, 1861; Second Lieutenant, 
Francis H. McArthur, from September 19, 1861. 



16 HISTORY OF THE 

Company D. — Captain, William J. Wallis, from September 26, 1861; First 
Lieutenant, Llewllyn Cowen, from September 26, 1861; Second Lieutenant, John 
H. McMabon, from September 26, 1861. 

These companies are all full, and have been mustered into the service. The 
regiment will be twelve companies strong, and is therefore entitled to three 
majors. I think I shall be able to muster in four more companies this week, and 
will forward the names of the commissioned officers to Your Excellency. 

Hoping that what I have done in this matter will meet with your approval, I 
have the honor to be 

Your Excellency's obedient servant, 

[Signed] Albert G. Brackett, 

Colonel First Western Cavalry. 

Camp Douglas, Chicago, October 9, 1861. 
To His Excellency Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois: 

Sir: — Herewith I have the honor to transmit to you a consolidated monthly 
report of the First Regiment Western Cavalry, which is sent in accordance to 
your request of the 9th inst. Some of my companies have already been mus- 
tered into the United States service by me. 

I am Your Excellency's obedient servant, 
[Signed] Ai,r,ERT G. Brackett, 

Colonel First Western Cavalry. 

Other cavalry regiments were formed, and after this period 
the regiment was known and designated as the Ninth Regiment 
Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, having in its ranks ten companies 
from Illinois and two from Indiana. The first company to ar- 
rive at the rendezvous was Company A from Rock Island, Sep- 
tember 15, 1861. Then followed B and C from Geneseo and 
Cambridge, 111., D from Chicago, E from Logansport, Ind., F 
from Chicago, G from Valparaiso, Ind., H from Kewanee, 111., I 
from Belvidere, 111., K from Princeton, 111., L from Chicago, and 
M from Onarga, 111., and thus was gathered at Camp Douglas, 
three miles south of the Court House, and mustered into the 
volunteer cavalry service for three years or during the war, as 
fine a body of men as any in the army that helped to save our be- 
loved country from disruption. 

There were some of us who had known Colonel Brackett person- 
ally, and many more who knew his military reputation to be that 
of an experienced, brave and dashing en valry officer, under whose 
leadership we were proud to be, and of whom great things woe 
to be expected. He was a severe disciplinarian, and immediately 
set to work in the drill, and the various duties that fall to the lot 
of the recruit, and are necessities in the making of good soldiers. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 17 

For this work he was well qualified by his long service in the army 
and the experience gained thereby. 

CAMP LIFE. 

Well do I remember that dreary September morning when 
Companies B and C left the cars a full mile from oitr future 
camp, and the walk across the prairie; then we came in sight of 
the old barracks, at that time two or three lone-, low build in o-s 
with a few boards in the attic, and rough bunks, or only a little 
hay to sleep on. 

Captain Burgh's Company A. already there, greeted us 
with cheers, and we wandered around viewing with curious eves 
everything that seemed so strange, but to which we soon became 
accustomed in our four months 1 stay in the camps. It was not 
long before we were called to our first breakfast in camp, and we 
did full justice to strong coffee, baker's bread, and meat, which 
were the principal articles of our bill of fare. It was not lono- 
ere it began to rain, and we huddled together under cover as 
much as possible. Dreary enough, and many, no doubt, felt 
rather blue when they compared their surroundings and future 
prospects with the comfortable homes and plenty they had left 
behind them. Still we were all patriotic, and the novelty of the 
situation did much to repress any feeling of homesickness that 
would otherwise have been experienced. 

Quartermaster Samuel Ii. Price was very active, and did 
everything in his power to make us as comfortable as possible; 
as he seemed to be the main man in camp, nearly all were besieo- 
ing him for something. The two most important things being 
enough to eat and blankets sufficient to keep us warm. Of the 
latter there was for a time quite a scarcity, but as many of the 
boys had brought shawls, comforts, etc., from home we did not 
feel entirely desolate. 

Here I desire to mention one, who no doubt many will remem- 
ber, Quartermaster-Sergeant John P. Harvey, the indefatigable 
assistant to Quartermaster Price, who in those first days, and in- 
deed until he left us, did so much for our comfort and welfare. 
He joined a regiment at Springfield in December, 1861, where he 
was appointed to be a Captain, and soon thereafter died. 



IS HISTORY OF THE 



It was not long before we were supplied with tents, and, to ac- 
commodate all, it required two hunmed and eighty, apportioned 
as follows : ten for Headquarters, Hospitals, etc., two for each 
Company of wall tents, and one "A "or wedge tent for each four 
non-commissioned officers, and one for each five enlisted men. A 
few days were spent in putting up and arranging, laying floors in 
some of the tents, etc. 

Now began our regular cam]) life. Reveille at 6 a. m., a 
hasty dressing, and a rather sleepy set of men appeared in front 
of each company's quarters. They are aligned in double rank. 
The First Sergeant calls the roll, when every man, unless on 
duty or detached from his regiment, is expected to be present 
and answer to his name. A careful inspection by the officers, 
then break ranks. " Stable call " comes next, when every man 
goes and feeds his horse. The next, in order, is breakfast, after 
which the detail for guard and fatigue duty is made. Later the 
Surgeon has the bugle sound " sick call or quinine," " officers' 
call," and soon thereafter conies officers'', company, and squad 
drill. As 1 write, how vividly those first days of camp-life come 
up. Officers' drill took place at 8 o'clock. Sometimes under the 
instruction of the Colonel, but generally by Captain Burgh, who, 
by his thorough education and drill in the military school, was 
well qualified to teach the intricacies of sword practice. 
Many of the commissioned officers had been presented with dress 
swords, before they came from home, by admiring and loving- 
friends, and Avere ready and anxious to perfect themselves in 
sword exercise. While they were so engaged, many of the 
enlisted men would stand off at a respectful distance to see them go 
through the motions of "cut, thrust, parry, en tierce : en carte, 
' moulenetU,'' " etc., but I doubt not that, when these same well- 
drilled officers came to a charge, if many of them ever thought 
whether they might not annihilate the enemy just as well by a 
"plain saber-stroke" as though it was done scientifically and by 
rule. Then came the company and squad drill, which took place 
in the large field directly west of camp. One oi more commis- 
sioned officers of each would take the whole company out, and 
put them through their steps, "left, left," etc., usually with a 
book of " tactics " in hand. Then the squad drill by a Sergeant 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 19 

or Corporal, who was supposed to be better posted than the men, 
and to have studied up the " Cavalry drill on foot/' And I 
remember well we used to like to drill well out to the west side 
of the field, and often come back with two or three pails of fresh 
milk. There was a cow pasture on that side. 

The regiments were assigned to quarters in what was called 
" Camp Fremont," but, October 6th, moved to Camp Douglas. 

The winter was approaching, and our horses began to arrive. 
The carpenters were busy preparing comfortable quarters for 
their reception, and erected twelve long stables, each capable of 
holding a hundred or more. These buildings were put up at the 
west and south of the camp, and some five hundred feet from 
company quarters. Soon the complement of horses was com- 
pleted, and all were well mounted. We were peculiarly fortunate 
in the selection of the mount, in having men who thoroughly 
understood their duties as inspectors. The regular inspector was 
assisted, most of the time, by Captain Ira II. Clifford, of Com- 
pany E, a most excellent judge of horses. But few, if any, 
passed their rigid scrutiny, that were not sound and well fitted 
for the service. Soon we were furnished with our McClellan 
saddles, the best in the world, and cavalry drill began in earnest. 
]STo\v Colonel Brackett was in his element, and our education in 
the school of the trooper, mounted, began, and was carried on 
systematically and regularly. 

A very large proportion of our men were from the country, 
and had been used to horses all their lives. These soon made 
excellent horsemen. As 1 look back now, it appears to me 
that our regiment, as a whole, made splendid progress. True, 
we had some rather heavy weights with short, fat, stubby legs, 
to whom it was a severe strain to mount our tall horses, but 
though for a time we witnessed many amusing incidents, it was 
not long before all were at least fairly good horsemen, and the 
large proportion sat their steeds like " Centaurs." 

In the various parades through the city, each company with 
horses of uniform color (Colonel Brackett with his brilliant staff 
at the front of the column), the Ninth Illinois Cavalry was as 
fine a body of men as one would meet in a lifetime, and re- 
ceived many compliments for their soldierly appearance. 



20 HISTORY OF THE 

Many of the officers and men were Chicago citizens. The 
people manifested great pride in their splendid regiment, and did 
much to make our camp life pleasant. In the daily routine of camp 
life, and the various duties and exactions of a soldier's life, even in 
camp, there was much that was monotonous, but many were 
cheered by visits from friends from home and the people of 
the city, very many of whom came to camp to see the gay soldier 
boys. 

During the fall and winter, the larger part of the men com- 
posing the regiment had received short furloughs, and visited 
home and friends, but in January, 1862, nearly or quite all had 
been called back, as it was expected that we should receive 
marching orders at any moment, and be sent to the front, and 
this was a consummation devoutly wished by all. The Colonel 
and every man in the regiment were anxiously awaiting the time 
when the Ninth Regiment Illinois Cavalry should receive their 
arms, equipments, etc., and be ordered to the field. 

During the latter part of the period that the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry were in Camp Douglas, there was considerable discon- 
tent among both officers and men at what seemed to be an un- 
necessary delay in moving our regiment to the front ; the mem- 
bers of the regiment not realizing or appreciating the stupendous 
work devolving upon both the General Government and the State 
as well, to bring into the field and properly equip the immense 
body of troops then being organized. The two letters following 
are taken from a large number on file at Springfield, and go to 
show that those having the best interests of the regiment at 
heart were thoroughly in sympathy with a "forward mo vement."' 

State of Illinois, Northern District, ) 
Chicago, February 10, 1862. )' 
Colonel: — I send Major Sickles to Springfield to visit the Governor and 
yourself, about starting my regiment, if possible, away from this place. We are 
all getting tired out here, and -wish to go into active service. I know you will do> 
anything you can to help me. 

A telegram to General Halleck from you or the Governor would, I think, 
accomplish the object. Please assist Major Sickles, and greatly oblige 

Your obedient servant, 
[Signed] Albert G. Brackett, 

To Colonel J. II. Tucker, Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

AiJjutant'Gcneral of Illinois. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 21 

Headquarters Camp Douglas, ) 
Chicago, January 10, 1862. ) 

To His Excellency Richard Yates, Governor of Illinois: 

Sir: — The Ninth Regiment Illinois Cavalry, which I have the honor to com- 
mand, is now full and ready to take the field. I am most anxious to go into 
active service, and this feeling is shared by every officer and man in the Regi- 
ment. I would, therefore, most respectfully ask of you to telegraph to General 
Halleck, to move my Regiment at once to St. Louis or Cairo, or to such other point 
as you and the General may think best. 

I am, your most obedient servant, 

[Signed] Albert G. Brackett, 

Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 



CHAPTER II. 

Marching Orders — Departure for Benton Barracks, Mo. — 
Flag Presentation — Arrival at Camp Douglas of Five 
Thousand Prisoners — Outfit of Arms and Train — De- 
parture for Pilot Knob, Mo. — Arrival at Reeves Sta- 
tion, Mo. — Assigned to the Command of General Steele. 

ON the 15th of February, 1S62, the order to move forward 
arrived. We had not, however, received our arms, but 
yet all were glad of a change. 

The objective point was Benton Barracks, St. Louis, Mo., 
where it was supposed our final outfit for field service would 
be made. Everything in camp was lively, with the necessary 
activity incident to the removal and transportation of so large 
a regiment. 

The start was made February 16th, the very day of the fall 
of Fort Donelson, which was that day surrendered to the then 
coming man, " Unconditional Surrender Grant." The move- 
ment of the regiment occupied three days, one battalion each, 
the Sixteenth, Seventeenth, and Eighteenth, via the St. Louis 
& Alton Railway. It required one hundred and thirty cars to 
transport the nearly eleven hundred men and almost twelve hun- 
dred horses, and the stores belonging to the regiment. 

Before the Ninth left Chicago, Miss Florence D. Scammon, 
daughter of Hon. J. Young Scammon, and the sister of Lieu- 
tenant Scammon, of the Ninth, presented the regiment with a 
beautiful standard. Colonel Brackett, in behalf of the regiment, 
responded with the following letter from Benton Barracks, Mo. : 

Headquarters Ninth Regiment Illinois Cavalry, ) 
Benton Barracks, Mo., February 20, 1862. f 
To Miss Florence A.D. Scammon: — In behalf of the officers and men of the 
Ninth Regiment of Illinois Cavalry, it gives me pleasure to thank you for the 
beautiful standard which you have presented to the regiment. Under its folds, 
we will march to victory, and hereafter it will be prized as an honorable emblem 
of the gallantry of the Illinois troops, who have proved themselves " the bravest 

22 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 23 

of the brave " on every field. We shall shield the flag from all danger. The 
motto of your family, Oonfidein Domino, is adopted as the motto of the regiment. 
With a sincere trust in the Lord, and a faith that He will, in His own good time, 
give back to us the blessings of peace and a Union more prosperous and happy 
than ever. 

Again I thank you for the standard, and promise you that whatever may 
happen to us, it shall never be dishonored. 

I am, with great respect, your obedient servant, 
(Signed). Albert G. Bracektt, 

Colonel Ninth Illinois Car airy. 

The writer, then Quartermaster-Sergeant of the regiment, 
was left at Chicago by Captain Price to arrange some business 
in his department, and was in Camp Douglas when five thousand 
prisoners arrived from Fort Donelson. These were a very defiant 
set of men, especially considering that they had just been nicely 
taken in by the Yankees, whose prowess they affected to de- 
spise so much. Having finished the business entrusted to me, 
Friday, February 2fst, in company with Major Sickles, Captain 
Chidester, and Adjutant Waterbury. I started for St. Louis, ar- 
riving there about 12 m. February 22d. We found the city in 
gain array, and the soldiers from the barracks parading in fine 
style ; the cavalry especially, and the Ninth among them, show- 
ing up gayly, and being reviewed by Major-General Halleck from 
his headquarters. It was said to be the finest parade ever seen 
in St. Louis, and I was proud of the splendid appearance of the 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry. After dinner found the regiment at 
Benton Barracks, about four miles out ; also, about five thousand 
other troops preparing for the front. Here the Ninth were located, 
and were rapidly receiving their outfit of general supplies, — 
wagons, mules, and a full outfit for the field. There we re- 
ceived our first arms, a regulation sabre, and Colt's navy, and 
the Remington, revolver for each trooper, and about one hundred 
Hairs carbines. Everything being in readiness in a few days, 
February 26th, five companies of the Ninth left St. Louis by the 
Iron Mountain Railroad for Pilot Knob, Mo., one hundred miles 
southeast. On the 27th, five more companies moved out, and 
March 1st the last of the regiment (having been obliged to wait 
the return of cars from Pilot Knob) were sent forward. Here 
we completed, as far as possible, the outfit of the regiment, two 
hundred and four mules, thirty-four army wagons, and general 



2-i HISTORY OF TIIL 

quartermaster's supplies. This being the last outlying post, 
we here organized our mule train for the first time. To the 
most of us, it was amusing in the extreme to see the men who 
were detailed as wagoners and teamsters capture the mules in 
the corral; some had to be caught with a lasso, and then har- 
nessed to the great army wagons, six mules to each. A good 
portion of them were wild as deer, never having seen a harness, 
much less had one on their backs. Many will recall "Bill" 
Banks, the jolly wagoner from Company E, who, with a large 
fund of good humor, combined with shrewd common sense, 
pluck, and perseverance, accomplished wonders. 

From Pilot Knob, Mo., commenced our first field experience 
March 6, 1862, and our march into Dixie began. As we wound 
our way on those pleasant spring days, how little it really 
seemed that we were actually in an enemj 7, s country. The 
long line of cavalry, with their sabres and arms gleaming in the 
bright sun, the handsome standard of the regiment, the gay 
guidons of each company, then the long line of wagons carry- 
ing a large amount of ammunition, camp equipage, and stores, 
formed a picture long to be remembered. 

The first objective point was Greenville, Mo., and a train 
with supplies started in advance for that place, with an escort 
under the command of Lieutenant Blakemore. The remainder 
of the regiment soon followed, and arrived at Reeves Station 
on the Big Black River, March 13th. Here there was a ferry, but 
as it did not seem to be in operation just at this time ; when the 
river was reached Colonel Brackett was somewhere near the 
center of the column, and Company A, being in advance under 
the command of their Captain, Burgh, and as they had no orders 
to halt, plunged into the stream, and crossed in safety to the 
opposite side. The other companies followed closely ; and, 
though the stream was broad, and in some places pretty deep, 
the most of them crossed in safety. It was not long, however, 
before the banks became badly demoralized with such a large 
body of horsemen climbing up the banks, and quite a number 
became not only wet but very muddy, the Colonel with the rest, 
so it can easily be imagined that all were not in the most amiable 
mood. 




HARRY H. BURGH, 

Lieutenant Colonel. 



I 

NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 25 

Reeves Station, where the regiment remained for some time, 
is fifty-five miles from Pilot Knob and thirty-five from the State 
of Arkansas. 

Here we were assigned to the Third Brigade of Gen. Frank 
Steele's Division, serving in the district of Southeast Missouri. 
The Brigade as formed here was composed of the Fifth Illinois 
Cavalry, Colonel Wilson ; the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Colonel 
Brackett ; the First Indiana Cavalry, Col. Conrad Baker (after- 
ward Governor of Indiana) ; the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry, 
Col. Chas. E. Hove}^ ; and the Thirty-eighth Illinois Infantry, 
Colonel Carlin. 

Here we learned that a large force of Confederate troops was 
concentrated at Pocahontas, Ark., and we expected to encounter 
them there. Our camp was very pleasantly situated in the woods, 
and near the river, which was here very swift. Later the troops 
took possession of the ferry, and it was run by means of a rope so 
arranged that the current of the stream was the motive power. 
We paid no toll here, though we were made glad by the presence 
of the United States Paymaster, and this was the last time dur- 
ing our term that we were paid according to contract in specie. 

The question of rank and promotion (always a vexatious one 
in the volunteer service) was one that the Ninth Illinois Cavalry 
could not escape, and as more or less feeling was engenderd there- 
by, Colonel Brackett addressed the following letter to the Ad- 
jutant-General of Illinois, to know officially on what ground he 
stood, and what action would be taken by the authorities at Spring- 
field in regard to commissions in the regiment. The letter is to 
the point, and very judiciously worded. 



& 



Camp at Black Rivek, Mo., March 16, 1862. 
Colonel: I wish to know what course the Governor and yourself wish to 
have adopted, relative to promotions and appointments in this regiment. I think 
the method adopted in the United States Army is the hest one, leaving it to the 
Colonel to reward merit, and bravery, where and when deserved. Seniority 
always entitles an officer to promotion, and should not be overlooked without 
there are grave reasons to the contrary. Seniority and merit are the principal 
claims for promotion, and hereafter I will act in accordance with this view unless 
it is the wish of the Governor and yourself that I should do otherwise. 

Your obedient servant, 
[Signed] Albert G. Brackett, 

Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 



26 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

March 22d, General Steele arrived in camp, and it was expect- 
ed that we should immediately move forward. We did not, how- 
ever, until the 8th of April, when we marched eighteen miles, and 
encamped on two side hills by the side of a beautiful stream of 
water. This place was named in honor of our colonel, "Camp 
Brackett." April 16th, the writer was sent to St. Louis on Quar- 
termaster business, and rejoined the regiment again near Poca- 
hontas, Ark., the latter part of the month. April 27th, arrived 
at the Currant River, which is the State line between Missouri 
and Arkansas. 

From Reeves Station, Mo., to Pocahontas, Ark., we had nu- 
merous skirmishes with Captain Sleeper's Confederate Company, 
capturing a number of prisoners with no loss on our side. Ar- 
rived at Pocahontas April 30th, where General Steele issued the 
following order, which shows very clearly the delicate and kid- 
glove fashion in which at that time the war for the suppression 
of treason and rebellion was then being conducted : 

Headquarters Southeast District of Missouri, / 
Pocahontas, Ark., April 29, 1862. f 
General Order No. 11. 

1. The attention of all officers of the command is called to General Order 
No. 3, series 1861, Headquarters Department of Missouri, prohibiting fugitive 
slaves and unauthorized persons from coming within the lines. 

2. Straggling on the march is positively prohibited, and all marauders will 
be severely punished. No property of any description whatever will be taken 
from citizens without compensation. Army officers having cognizance of a viola- 
tion of this order will immediately report the facts to these Headquarters. 

By order of Brigader General Fred H. Steele. 

[Signed] J. M. Paddock, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 

May 4th. In camp at Bird's Point, Ark., fifteen miles from 
Jacksonport, which place the command expected to reach the next 
day. Two companies sent forward as an advance. 



CHAPTER III. 

Arrival at Jacksonport, Ark. — Colonel Matlock, Captain 
Sleepers Guerillas — A Note of Warning — Joining the 
Army of General Curtis — Murder of Privates Jenkins 
and Pringle — Fight at Waddell Farm. 

MAY 6, 1862. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry arrived at Jack- 
sonport, Ark., after a long, but on the whole not unpleas- 
ant, march from Pilot Knob, Mo., of just two months' duration. 

The town has been one of considerable importance, is pleas- 
antly situated on the north bank of the Black River, near where 
it forks with the clear and appropriately named White River, 
sixt} 7 miles from Pocahontas, and about one hundred miles equi- 
distant from Memphis and Little Rock, and some twenty -five 
miles from Batesville, Ark., where General Curtis had a large 
army. The First Indiana Cavalry, being in the advance, had a 
sharp skirmish with Hooker's men in the town, killing three 
and capturing a number of prisoners. In this vicinity we found 
Colonel Matlock in command of the larger part of the Guerilla 
bands ready to pick off our soldiers on all occasions, and Captain 
Hooker, his trusted Lieutenant and Boss Guerilla, had about one 
hundred and forty men ; Independent Cavalry, he calls them ; 
Guerillas, bushwhackers, and murderers, we found them to be. 

Had it not been that Mrs. Hooker was boarding at Dr. Kirk- 
patrick's on our line of march as we went into town, and thus 
been able to send word to her husband of our troops' presence, we 
would have been sure to have captured the noted Guerilla. This 
Mrs. Hooker I met soon after. A fine appearing and intelligent 
woman. 

The citizens here were all very strong in their secession senti- 
ments, which they took no pains to conceal, the women especially 
being outspoken. It appears that quite a number of prominent 
ladies had formed an organization, and had resolved that if the 

27 



28 HISTORY OF THE 

hated Yankees did come they would not speak to them under any 
circumstances. 

When the advance of the Ninth marched into town, the rebel 
soldiers having disappeared in the woods, the ladies of course, 
woman-like, had some curiosity to see what kind of creatures 
their invaders (barbarians they supposed them to be) were. . Cap- 
tain Burgh wheeled his command into line in front of a pleasant 
looking white house, where was congregated a number of ladies, 
and saluting a middle aged lady respectfully inquired "if she 
would allow her servants to give them a drink of water? " Here was 
a dilemma. This was evidently a gentleman, courteously asking a 
favor. She could not help replying, so she inquired " if he would 
not prefer a drink of buttermilk \ " The Captain having assented, 
she brought it out and politely handed it herself. Here occurred 
a dramatic scene, a woman rushed out of a house across the street 
exclaiming, " Don't drink it. It is poisoned. They are bitter 
secesh.'" 

The Captain was too gallant to refuse the proffered drink, and 
it proved to be harmless. The woman, however, was perfectly 
right in warning us of the danger. It was Mrs. Newcome, the 
the wife of a Union man, who was a scout for our army, and 
both were with us for a long time ; Mr. Newcome doing valu- 
able service in his capacity as a scout, knowing every road and 
by-path in the country, and his wife many times caring for our 
sick and wounded, and cheering many a poor discouraged trooper 
from his despondency back to life and health. 

When the Ninth Illinois Cavalry went into camp at Jackson- 
port, there were but few men left in the town, as all those who 
were able to bear arms were either in the Confederate army or 
members of some of the bush-whacking squads, styling them- 
selves independent troops. The other portion of the division 
moved on to Batesville, where they joined the forces of Major- 
General Samuel R. Curtis, known as the army of the Southwest? 
of which the Ninth formed a part. Col. Brackett was left in 
command at this place, which formed the extreme east front of 
the army; and was instructed to keep back, and, as far as possible, 
rid the country of the hordes of Guerillas and whatever Confed- 
erate troops were to be found. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 29 

The citizens of Jacksonport kept up a show of respect toward 
our soldiers, but were not able to conceal their real feelings of 
hatred for the " marauding Yanks," and were constantly giving 
information to their friends in the bushes to our disadvantage. 

We now were a long distance from our base of supplies, and 
to a considerable extent subsisted off the country. Small detach- 
ments and scouting parties were often sent out. On one of these 
occasions, while a detachment was on a scout in the vicinity of 
Village Creek, Ark., Private E. J. Jenkins, of Company C r 
was foully murdered by a party of bushwhackers, who had 
secreted themselves in a corn-crib at Cotton Plant. The com- 
mand was passing through the town, Jenkins' horse became un- 
manageable, and in company with a comrade from another regi- 
ment (the First Indiana Cavalry) ran ahead of the column about 
a quarter of a mile. The other soldier was killed instantly, and 
Jenkins had five balls in his body, but lived until the next day. 
Their horses were both killed, and the cowardly assassins rifled 
their bodies, and fled before the command came up. This was the 
first from our number to be killed from rebel bullets. Sadly his 
comrades bore their stricken brother to a house near by, where 
ere long he died. Before he died, an interesting incident occurred, 
which shows the heroism and patriotic feelings strong even in 
death. He grew pale, stared wildly around, and said to his com- 
rades, " Raise me up boys, I want to give three cheers for the old 
flag,"' and instantly expired. Tenderly and sadly his comrades 
bore the poor hoy's body back to camp, and the next day he re- 
ceived a soldier's burial beneath the overhanging trees on the 
banks of the beautiful White River. His comrades fired a volkyy 
over his grave, and vows were then solemnly made that his mur- 
der should he avenged. 

The next one to fall a victim was Philander W. Pringle, of 
Company G, who was murdered under similar circumstances. 

May 20th Colonel Brackett, having information that a consid- 
erable quantity of bacon was to be obtained at a plantation near 
Village Creek, Ark., sent out a detachment of seventy-live armed 
men under the command of Lieutenant Azra F. Brown, of Com- 
pany G, to bring it into camp. This detachment found the 
meat at the designated spot, and, it being too late to return that 



30 HISTORY OF THE 

night, camped near the plantation, having pressed a team of mules 
to bring in the" find." Some time in the night a citizen informed 
Lieutenant Brown that there was a body of live hundred Rebels, 
"who would make it lively for him if he did not get away before 
morning." In order to be on the safe side, Lieutenant Brown qui- 
etly woke his little command, and, getting out the six-mule team, 
proceeded to load the bacon, so as to be ready to start in the early 
morning. All this time the rain was pouring down in torrents, 
which continued all night and nearly all the next day. When 
the command was ready to start just at daybreak, it was discov- 
ered that there was one horse in camp without a rider. It proved 
to be that of P. W. Pringle. After waiting as long as he deemed 
it safe to do so, Lieutenant Brown moved out, leaving several sol- 
diers with instructions to remain, and, if possible, find the missing 
soldier. There was a long swamp to cross, and just as they got 
to the edge of it, the rebs were upon them, firing with their rifles 
and shot-guns, as they were in full retreat. The general orders 
at this time were not to leave a horse, and Pringle not showing 
up, his horse was brought along. The negro in his fright, while 
driving the team of bacon, had swamped the whole thing by driv- 
ing his wagon astride a stump, and as the rebs were still pursuing, 
it was abandoned, and the command reached camp safely in the 
afternoon. 

These cowardly attacks, and needless murders by the miscre- 
ants, so incensed Colonel Brackett and his officers, that a deter- 
mined effort to punish them was made. In pursuance of this 
determination, detachments and squads were frequently sent out 
with orders to be very thorough in their work. 

The next day it was reported to Colonel Brackett that Pringle's 
body was on an island in the swamp where the Guerillas, finding 
him alone, had killed him in a cowardly manner by shooting him 
in the back. 

May 24th, the regiment moved across Black River in the 
forks, and camped in the woods on the north side of the stream, 
but few remaining in town. The two companies from Patterson 
were ordered to join the regimen! at this time. 

May28th, live companies of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, under 
the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Sickles, while on a scout, met a 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 31 

considerable force of Rebels at Cache River bridge, and after a 
sharp skirmish routed them completely, inflicting severe punish- 
ment upon them. In this engagement, Adjutant Blackburn and 
Private Frank Tift, Company 13, were wounded. 

On the same day, Captain Blakemore, with three companies of 
the Ninth, had a skirmish with some of the Home-Guard Bush- 
whackers on the Augusta road, who were innocently tending a 
little patch of ground with their shot-guns within arm's reach, to 
finish off any Federal soldier that might come that way. One man 
was riddled with bullets, and left supposed to be dead, and one 
taken prisoner. 



CHAPTEE IV. 

Abandoning Camp at Jacksonport — Arrival of Rebel Gunboat 
— Shelling Our Camp — Return to "Galloways" — Gun- 
boat Episode — Price's Army. 

ABOUT the first of June there were wild rumors of large 
_ forces of Confederate troops moving in our direction from 
Clarendon and Augusta, also that a gunboat was coming up the 
White River heavily armed with ordnance, and that in consequence 
our present position was, to sa\ r the least, not a very tenable one. 
A considerable force was sent out under the command of Lieuten- 
ant Warner toward the Searcy, to reconnoitre. They came in 
during the night and early morning of June 1st, and reported a 
large force of Confederates moving in our direction, and that the 
gunboat was surely coming. 

Colonel Brackett decided that we were in no condition to cope 
with a monster of that character. Camp was hastily struck. 
Tents, quartermaster and commissary stores and supplies of all 
sorts were speedily loaded into our wagons, and, at dawn of June 
2d, the train pulled out of camp in the woods across the river 
at Jacksonport. 

Many laughable occurrences took place, and there are several 
comrades who claim the honor of being the last to leave the town 
just before the gunboat "Maurepas," Captain Joseph Fry, 
rounded the bend. Major Bishop was well at the rear, as there 
was some special attraction that he was very anxious not to leave 
behind. 1 believe it was his commissary chest, and the ferry 
boat dipped low into the water ere his Meet steed landed on the 
safe side of the river. 

Comrade S. I!. Davis was so busy in setting up a column of 
type on the Ca/oalier that the head of the column of Rebel 
Cavalry was well advanced on the town before he dropped his 
"stick" and started for the river. Who was entitled to the 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 33 

medal we do not know. A few of us on fleet horses awaited the 
approach of the Great Annihilator. 

At about 9 a.m., a cloud of smoke arose over the trees, and 
the gunboat (a long rakish looking craft) gracefully rounded the 
bend, and saluted our deserted camp with a few rounds from her 
sixty-four pounders. The denisons of Jacksonport were wild with 
joy, and their cheers and shouts of welcome and exultation arose 
above the roar of guns as they sent solid shot, grape and canister 
into the camp of the Yankees. 

Having satisfied our curiosity, and not having ordnance with 
us to answer their guns, we concluded to go to our camp estab- 
lished nine miles back from the river, at Gallaway's plantation, on 
the road to Batesville. 

The object of the gunboat accomplished, viz.: to destroy cotton, 
sugar and supplies here, they returned down the river to the 
vicinity of Du Vails Bluff, where the old boat was destroyed, some 
of the guns being sunk in White River. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, then in the command of General 
Benton, moved back to Camp Tucker, where we remained all day 
under arms, expecting an attack from the land force of Confederates. 
Then it was that the regiment received the sobriquet of the " Gun 
boat Cavalry," an epithet which, though not flattering to our 
feelings, stuck to us for a long time, and it was not until the 
Ninth had distinguished itself on many a hard-fought battle-field, 
that this not very complimentary title was forgotten. 

Captain Fry, while here, was bountifully entertained by the 
citizens, and his mission accomplished they were really not sorry 
to have his command leave, as they had indulged in drunken 
orgies all night, and destroyed more property in one day than had 
the Federal army in two months. 

THAT GUNBOAT. 

Much has been said and written with reference to the visit of the gunboat to 
Jacksonport, during our stay there in 1862. I do not wish to contradict a word 
that has been said or written, but will add a little postscript, stating that the 
writer of this was at the time running a printing office in the town, printing Tlie 
Cavalier, which the boys well remember, and copies of which are still among the 
preserved relics in the hands of many Comrades. When the gunboat arrived, on 
the first day of June, 1862, 1 was hard at work in the office, getting out my paper. 
Hearing a noise and a commotion on the street, I looked out the window and 

3 



34 HISTORY OF THE 

saw George Davidson, the last man of the pickets stationed below town, who was 
making for camp as fast as his horse could carry him. I asked him what was up. 
His hasty reply was: " The gunboat is coming. Hurry to camp or you will be 
captured!" I rushed to a back window, and looked down the river, and sure 
enough there it came steaming up, with the stars and bars floating to the breeze. 
I soon took in the situation, and grabbing up a handful of the Cavalier, which 
had been printed only on one side, rolled them in my blanket, buckled them on 
my saddle, which lay in the office, and started to saddle my horse, in which I 
succeeded just as a thirty-two pound shell passed harmlessly through the stable. 
I soon mounted and left for camp, while numerous shots followed me, fired by 
the ladies and loyal citizens of the town who had heretofore been claiming our 
protection. The vessel was a large one, and carried seven large guns, viz.: one 
eighty-four, two sixty -four, and four thirty-two pounders, besides several small 
howitzers, which she carried upon her upper works. She was commanded by 
Captain Fry, who was formerly a lieutenant in the United States Navy. Colonel 
Brackett had wisely fallen back with his command until out of range of their 
artillery, much to the censure of some of the officers who afterward changed 
their minds. Lieutenant Ratz, of Company D, asked, but was refused, permis- 
sion to take a squad of men and go "capture the thing"; which he doubtless 
would have accomplished, had he been permitted, as the rebels were enjoying a 
o-lorious drunk in town, and the victory would have been an easy one. While in 
town the rebels made sad havoc of property generally, burning one thousand bales of 
cotton and five hundred hogsheads of sugar that we had been guarding for weeks, 
and in many cases owners of the property were compelled by the rebels to turn out 
and help in its destruction. The gunboat wisely concluded that one day was long 
enough to remain there, and early next morning returned down the river, carry- 
ing with her Captain Bishop's baggage, and the curses of the community, even of 
the resident rebels. 

On the morning of June 12th, Colonel Brackett sent out a train of thirty-six 
wagons to the Waddell farm on Village Creek, to get corn and bacon. The 
escort consisted of Companies K, M, C, and D, under command of Major 
Humphrey. While there they were pounced upon by a force of rebels, and a hot 
fight ensued, in which several of the enemy were killed, and twelve of our men 
badly wounded, but the enemy was routed. Here it was that Harvey Strong, of 
Company K, was taken prisoner. We remained in Jacksonport and in that 
vicinity until the latter part of June, when orders came for us to move down the 
river to Augusta, where we expected to find our gunboats and transports with 
provisions, which were short, as the country had been foraged until but little was 
left for us. After five days' marching and cutting out of the fifteen miles 
blockade, which the rebels had made ahead of us. by cutting trees across the road, 
we arrived in Augusta, twenty-five miles from Jacksonport, lo find that our boats 
had been driven down the river by the rebels, under General Hindman. When 
we started from Jacksonport we had eight days' rations; five days were now gone, 
and we still had no prospects of reaching our provisions. We rested ourselves 
and horses one day in Augusta, and then started for Clarendon, thirty milts 
farther down the river, where we learned our boats were, on half rations. All the 
distance from Jacksonport we had been driving the rebels before us, and after 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 35 

leaving Augusta they began their work of filling up the wells, burning houses 
and cotton, chopping timber across the road to keep us back, and doing all man- 
ner of damage in their power. In this way we marched and worked for two days 
and three nights, and most of the time without water, except from some filthy 
mudhole several miles from the road. "When we arrived in Clarendon we were a 
tired, hungry and dirty set as ever took up the march, and we were there con- 
fronted with the unwelcome information that our boats had been driven forty-five 
miles farther down the river. Here we were, without food, and the only thing 
left for us to do was to forage over the ground the rebels had just left, and get 
what they had failed to take. Much of the town was left in ashes, on account of 
the rebel sympathy shown on every hand. On July 3d, early in the morning, we 
left Clareudon on our forty-five mile heat. About dark that evening we came to 
a stream of water that they could not fill up, and here we went into camp. Some 
of us went about six miles away and stayed all night at a farm house, got our 
breakfast, of corn bread, hominy, and black molasses, a bed, and breakfast, sim- 
ilar to the supper, and paid $r> each for it, and felt satisfied, as we had what we 
termed two square meals and a bed, while many of the boys had very little to eat, 
and were afraid to disobey the strict orders against leaving. "When we arrived in 
camp we found the command about ready to start, and soon we heard the report 
of heavy artillery and our Fourth of July had commenced, for our advance guard 
had come upon the rebel fortifications. This meant, work, and we were soon at 
it, the result being the taking of everything they had there, consisting of six pieces 
of heavy artillery, about one hundred prisoners, a large quantity of ammunition, 
seventy-five wagons loaded with provisions, and a lot of corn and oats for horse 
feed. Some of the heavy guns we sunk in "White River; we could uot take them 
with us. The rest of the artillery we took with us, and afterward used it to great 
advantage. On the 14th day of July we arrived at Helena, on the Mississippi 
River, where we went into camp, to remain until the sickly season was over. 

S. B. Davis, 
Knox, Starke County, Ind. Company D, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

GUNBOAT. 

BT ONE WHO WAS THERE. 

About the first of June, 1862, while encamped opposite Jacksonport, wait- 
ing and watching for the arrival of the rebel gunboat that was reported to 
be in "White River and making its way up the stream, it was reported by a 
reliable refugee, that down the river some fifteen miles, near Grand Glaze, there 
were some very fine beef cattle, and as fresh beef was a luxury much desired by 
our soldiers just then, a detail of thirty-five men from Company G, under the 
command of Lieutenant Warner, was sent out to bring them in. Piloted by the 
reliable refugee, the detail crossed White River by ferry about 2 p.m., and wended 
its way through a dense jungle of brush, cane-brake, and heavy timber, down 
"White River, following a trail that compelled them to travel single file. About 
sundown they arrived at Grand Glaze, a deserted old tumble-down town of half a 
dozen houses, a landing on White River. This place was notorious from the fact 
of its being the residence of one Captain "White, a superannuated river captain, 
who had, it was rumored, about one year before boxed up a Yankee school teacher 



36 HISTORY OF THE 

who was stranded there, whose only offense was teaching loyalty to the Govern- 
ment, and billed him to A. Lincoln, Washington, D. C, and sent him down the 
river. 

Several parties had been sent to escort the Captain to camp, but he had 
found it convenient to be absent, and so far all efforts to capture him had been 
futile. Lieutenant Warner now thought it a good scheme to bring in the old man 
in addition to his fine drove of cattle. So, posting his pickets to guard against 
surprise, he with a couple of his command called upon Mrs. White, who assisted 
by her sister, a handsome girl of eighteen summers, entertained their callers in 
true Southern style. They were, however, rebels to the core, notwithstanding 
they were raised in Ohio, and their youngest daughter was now attending school 
at the North. They said they hated the Yankees and Dutch, and talked as only 
rebel women can talk. Lieutenant Warner, being somewhat of a ladies' man, tried 
his best to defend his side and reconcile these irate angels, but to no purpose^ 
They would not reconstruct worth a cent. We could not learn anything of the 
Captain's whereabouts, so Warner placed his guards around the yard to intercept 
the old man, should he return, but he did not appear, and another failure was 
recorded. Here the boys foraged around for something to eat, and feed for our 
horses, but finding very poor picking, concluded to wait till the next day, when 
we should reach the cattle some six or eight miles west. 

Started early the next morning, so as to have plenty of time to feed and rest,, 
but the farther they went, the poorer the country seemed to be, and the cattle, 
when found, proved to be only two old oxen, a few cows and calves, all too poor 
for beef. In utter disgust they turned about and hastened back to town, where, 
possibly, a little might be found to eat, arriving back at Grand Glaze about 
noon, very hungry and much disappointed. But what a change had taken place 
since morning! The citizens were all out, and seemed cheerful and happy, and 
lost no time in informing our boys that the rebel gunboat had passed up the river 
since we left, and acted as if they thought we had better surrender. Mrs. White 
and her sister were very sarcastic and provoking to the boys, and to Lieutenant 
Warner, particularly. Now it had been currently reported and generally believed 
by the soldiers that the rebel General Price was coming along with the gunboat 
and a large land force of rebel troops. It was about thirty miles by the river to 
Jacksonport. 

Visions of rebel troops and prison pens absorbed Lieutenant Warner's mind. 
There was no time to lose if he made his escape, and away he flew at a rapid rate, 
followed pell-mell by his troopers, the ladies giving them a parting salute. The 
boys forgot their hunger, and resolved to beat the gunboat to Jacksonport, if it 
killed every horse in the command. After going at this rate three or four miles,, 
it was found that the command was strung out for a mile. A halt was called. 
The officer in charge saw that this would not do, that he must be more deliberate 
if they beat that gunboat. He also realized the hazardous position of the Regi- 
ment in camp if the terrible monster stole upon them unawares or before hecould 
notify them. Lieutenant Warner called Sergeant Bailey, who was well mounted, 
and instructed him to push ahead as fast as possible, and notify Colonel Brack- 
ett, and that he would bring the rest of the command in as fast as possible. So 
the gallant Sergeant gave rein to his noble steed, and plunged into the wilderness 
on that wild and perilous ride. With only a crooked pathway for a road, he was 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 61 

so unfortunate as to follow a wrong trail, leading too far to the left; he struck 
White River six miles above Jacksonport, then, turning down the river bank, lie 
arrived at the ferry after Warner (who had gone direct) had crossed. After all 
were over, the ferry-boat was sunk. It was found that the regiment had moved 
camp early in the day to the bluffs, some five miles back from the river. As Ser- 
geant Bailey crossed, the gunboat was approaching in sight of Jacksonport. The 
citizens were all out on the levee, waving hats, handkerchiefs and Rebel flags 
for joy. 

A detail under the command of Colonel Sickles was sinking the Black River 
ferry-boat. As the boat rounded the point, a funny looking craft it was. A small 
river steamboat with all the upper part cut away except a portion left for a pilot- 
house; that was protected with iron, and cotton bales and below the guards were 
protected with chains. As soon as she cleared the point, a broadside was fired from 
her heavy guns as Captain Fry, her commander, had calculated to a nicety the 
range of our former camp, and the way the heavy timbers wilted, as the iron hail 
swept through it, would soon convince an eye-witness that it was no place for a 
•cavalry regiment armed with sabres and revolvers only. 

At the first shot Colonel Sickles and his detail fled for safety, leaving a six- 
mule team to take care of itself, and the way they strung out a Government 
wagon, and wound themselves around the trees, was a sight to see. Probably 
•Captain Fry took them for our regiment, as he continued to bombard them as 
long as one was to be seen; poor brutes, how they did struggle and bray ! 

After a two-mile heat, and a speed that is seldom beaten, Colonel Sickles 
rallied himself , taking a firm stand on an elevation, and peering over his specta- 
cles as his much scattered squad arrived, ordered them to " Pass on to the rear, 
and not allow any one to come that way, for General Price was coming with a 
large army." lie did not say so, but it looked as if he intended to fight Price 
himself. 

Now it appeared that a party of Company G's camp equipage had been 
unloaded about half way- to camp, also a part of the sutler's goods, and when 
Company G formed there, their tents and provisions were there, and their team 
wound around the saplings at the old camp, and were still being bombarded by 
the gunboat, asked for and obtained permission to go back and bring up what 
they could find. When they arrived there they found the sutler's goods also, 
.and as Price's army would soon be there, and would, no doubt, confiscate their 
stores, they proceeded to appropriate such as they could, aDd especially the 
hnnidy jwaches that were very choice. Then taking their tents and leaving the 
poles, they threw them across their horses in front, and loaded down with pails, 
kettles, coffee pots, and such things, they moved forward again for camp. In 
the meantime Company M had been put on picket on the road leading to camp 
with instructions to fire on the first thing that approached, for of course it would 
be " Price's army." Whoever instructed them did not know of this squad of 
Company G being out, and as the peaches began to work, the boys became very 
boisterous and defiant, and cared very little whether Price's army, or any other, 
•came or not. As they approached the picket, talking loud, the night was very 
dark, the pots and pans rattling and clanking, and the white tents flapping in the 
night breeze, it was enough to strike terror to the stoutest heart, with such orders 



38 HISTORY OF THE 

as they had, and expecting to he attacked every moment. The vidette fired his 
revolver and fell back rapidly on the picket post, followed closely by the sup- 
posed enemy. The pickets gave way after firing a wild, scattering volley, and 
came pell-mell into camp, with their pursuers close upon them. The camp was at 
once in motion. The bugles sounded " Boots and Saddle," the drum beat the 
" Long Roll," and the camp was turned out in a hurry. A brigade of infantry 
and some artillery had been sent from Batesville by General Steele, and were 
encamped with us that night. The truth was soon ascertained. The pickets went 
back to their posts, instructed by Colonel Brackett "to stay there, Price or no 
Price." These orders were obeyed strictly, but no Price's arnvy appeared; but the 
next morning a delegation of sick citizens from Jacksonport, with a flag of truce, 
came out and begged us to come back and protect them from their friends, who 
had compelled them to work all night destroying sugar and cotton, of which there 
was a large supply. The boat's crew got drunk, and early in the evening went 
down the stream to DuValls Bluff, when the old tub was dismantled and sunk in 
the river. We soon moved back to town and feasted on sugar, which was a foot 
thick all over the streets. 

After this the Regiment was kept busy scouring the country 
between the St. Francis River and toward Clarendon and 
Augusta. 

June 12, 1862, quite a lively fight took place between a con- 
siderable force of Confederate troops and a portion of the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry. The rebels attemptedAhe capture of a valuable 
forage train, which was sent out with a large escort under the 
command of Major Humphrey. At first it looked as though the 
Confederates would be successful, as they appeared to have superior 
numbers and drove back our advance. The train was halted and 
run back to a safer position. Several of our men were wounded, 
and one taken prisoner. Couriers Avere sent back to camp to 
notify the commander of the affair. Colonel Brackett, with four 
companies of the Ninth and two of Missouri Cavalry, headed by 
Captain Burgh and his Company A, ran down a mile or 
more, but failed to find anything of the rebs, though quiti 
a force of doyrkies were looking on and grinning from ear to ear 
to see the Yankees chase the rebs into the woods and out of 
sight. Just how many of the Confederates were killed and 
wounded we never know. 

June 20th, Capt. Marland L. Perkins, with two companies of 
the Ninth, made a reconnaissance toward Augusta on the right 
bank of White River. During the scout we had several skir- 
mishes with small bands of guerrillas and Confederate troops, in 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 39 

which we lost one horse killed and two wounded. The rebels 
lost one man killed and several wounded. 

At one point, early in the morning, as we were marching along, 
a gun was fired but a few yards from the roadside in the brush, 
the bullet (evidently intended for our leader, Captain Perkins) 
whistling within a few inches of Lieutenant Davenport's head, who 
was riding at the head of the column. We rode into the brush, 
and found where a single horseman had awaited our approach, 
and, after firing, had rapidly retreated through the woods. 

The expedition returned to camp June 23d. We remained at 
Jacksonport, awaiting orders. The large army of General Cur- 
tis, at Batesville and vicinity, was running short of provisions. 
Memphis, Tenn., having been captured June 6th, after a severe 
naval battle under Admiral Porter, it was determined to march 
across to the Mississippi River, to meet supplies and also to 
utilize this large army now practically cut off from the world. 



CHAPTER V. 

The Great March Through Arkansas — Fight at Stewart's 
Plantation — The Killed and Wounded — Rebel General 
Hindman's Proclamation — Hospital Train — Celebration 
of the Fourth of July — Fight at Cache River— Murder 
of Couriers — Arrival at Helena.. 

JUNE 26, 1862, General Curtis having started his large army 
from Batesville, Ark., the march to the Mississippi River be- 
gan. This army included all troops in the vicinity and numbered 
nearly thirty thousand men. The expectation was when the army 
started that he should meet transports on White River, probably 
atDes Arc or Clarendon, with general supplies, rations especially 
being wanted. The Confederates were disposed as far as possible 
to prevent this consummation, and our forces were constantly 
harassed, and as the Rebels knew every road and pathway of the 
country, it was easy for them to do so. There was a sharp fight 
June 27th, at Stewart's plantation, where the Confederate troops, 
under Colonel Matlock, attempted to capture a valuable Govern- 
ment train. In this affair, which assumed the proportions of quite 
a battle, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry lost two men killed and thirty- 
three wounded. This affair showed very clearly the valor of the 
men composing the Regiment ; the ground was such that but one 
company could go in at a time, but the dash and spirit with which 
our brave comrades, both officers and men, did go, was worthy of 
the highest praise. 

Colonel Brackett, cool and collected, was perfectly at home, and 
kept the troops well in hand till the proper time for each com- 
pany to go to the front, and was himself often seen in the front 
ranks, where he was finally struck by a partially spent ball, but 
remained upon the field until the enemy was completely routeTl. 
Captain E. R. Knight, Company M, while gallantly leading his 
company into the thickest of the fight, was shot through the 

40 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 41 

lungs, and was borne to the rear with what was supposed to be a 
mortal wound, while Adjutant W. C. Blackburn, the brave and dar- 
ing, received a slight wound while rallying a part of the com- 
mand. Major Wallis, while sturdily encouraging his battalion, 
received a painful wound in the leg, and withdrew. This engage- 
ment took place in the afternoon and evening, and it was well in 
the night before we drew off the field. The enemy was driven 
down the road, on one side a swamp with a rank growth of cane 
and cypress, on the other almost a dense wood. The command 
being posted, an attempt was made to throw a skirmish line on 
the flank, but owing to the obstruction it was found imprac- 
ticable. 

The rebels had by far the best opportunity, because we were 
in the openings, and they were in a measure concealed by the 
trees and gloom of the swamp, and before long it was only by the 
flash of their guns that we could tell where the enemy was 
located. The rebels were severehy punished in this engagement, 
as many of their dead were found by our men the next morning, 
and their wounded had been taken away, and were being cared for 
by the citizens, at a sufficient distance to keep them from our 
hands. It must be understood that, at this time, there were very 
few carbines in the Regiment. There was considerable firing in 
the front, a soldier of Company M came slowly back, with a 
gun-shot wound in the shoulder, to where Company I were 
waiting their turn to go in ; as he could not use his carbine any 
more at this time, he offered it to Comrade Jesse Hawes, who 
gladly availed himself of the offer, as he had only a revolver and 
a sabre. The wounded man also turned over his belt of car- 
tridges. Thus well equipped, Hawes went forward, and soon after 
reported to Major Wallis. The two started down the road some- 
thing like sixty or eighty rods, when hearing sharp firing in their 
rear, and from the flashes of the guns, they could see that the 
enemy's line ran close to the road they were moving on ; they at 
once turned back, and passing near the end of the Confederate 
line, could not resist the temptation of firing the borrowed car- 
bine at the nearest Confederate ; a moment more and a large num- 
ber of shots was fired at these two. 



42 HISTORY OF THE 

Major Wallis received a painful wound in the leg, and Hawes 
also received a flesh wound in the right leg, and his horse was the 
recipient of live more. So close were the Confederates that a piece 
of pasteboard wadding was blown into the wound in the leg of 
this soldier, which was removed by the Surgeon after ten days' 
interval. Had this affair occurred a year or two later the man- 
ner of fighting would have been different, for the men would have 
been dismounted while advancing on the enemy, and should have 
sought all convenient shelter, doing much greater execution with 
much smaller loss than we suffered at this time. 

The killed were Mathew Abbott, private of Company M, Peter 
Zerbe, private of Company E. The wounded were Colonel A. G. 
Brackett, slightly ; Major W. J. Wallis, slightly ; Captain E. R. 
Knight, very severely ; AdjutantW. C. Blackburn, slightly ; private 
William A. Power, Company B, slightly ; private Fred W. Hard- 
ing, Company C, slightly; Corporal Reuben A. Scott, Company E, 
seriously ; private Francis Hinton, Company E, seriously ; private 
John Racus, Company E, seriously ; private Alfred Williams, 
Company E, slightly; private Swan Tell, Company E, slightly; 
Sergeant William J. Teas, Company I, seriously ; Corporal DeLos 
Albright, Company I, slightly ; private Jesse Hawes, Company I, 
slightly ; Sergeant Charles B. Paddock, Company K, slightly ; 
Corporal Francis M. Herrick, Company K, slightly ; private John 
R. Wilder, Company K, in the side slightly; private John S. Had- 
don, Company K, slightly ; private Erastus Foster, Company K, in 
shoulder; Corporal Charles Nugent, Company L. severely; pri- 
vate John Lyons, Company L, severely ; private William A. Harr. 
Company L, slightly ; private John Shelton, Company L, slightly : 
private Hans Wahns, Company L, slightly ; private Ira B. Wood, 
Company L, slightly ; Corporal Thomas Robinson, Company M, 
slightly; private John Craig, Company M, slightly; private 
George Van Arsdale, Company M, slightly; private Frederick 
Luddington, Company M, slightly. 

From prisoners taken we obtained copies of Hindman's proc- 
lamation, subjoined, which indicates very clearly with how much 
zest and good-will some of the South, ni chivalry were willing 
and anxious to treat their Northern friends to "hospitable graves." 



* *S6*> 




ANTHDNY R. MDCK. 

Lieuteqarit Colonel. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 43 

Little Rock, Akk., June 24, 1862. 
To the People of Arkansas: 

The Yankee General Curtis is attempting to escape. His position is. 
untenable. He is appalled by the dangers that surround him. In his terror 
he resorts to the desperate expedient of moving to the South along White 
River, trusting for supplies from the Mississippi by boats. The supplies 
can not ascend White River. We have already blown up one of his iron- 
clad boats, crippled another, and can hold the river against his fleet. The ques- 
tion now is: Shall his army reach the fleet below? You can prevent it; the power 
is in your hand; the plan is not a secret; I proclaim it to you all. If it is not 
carried out, the responsibility will rest on you. Take your gun in hand and am- 
munition, every man of you; mount your horse or go afoot; do not wait an hour 
upon your neighbor. Lose no time in holding meetings; move toward the enemy 
by the shortest road. Join the first company you overtake upon the march. 
Press upon the invaders from every direction, attack him day and night, kill his 
scouts and pickets, kill his pilots, and troops on transports. Cut off his wagon 
trains, lie in ambush, and surprise his detachments. Shoot his mounted officers. 
Destroy every pound of meat and Hour, every ear of corn and stack of fodder, 
oats and wheat, that can fall into his hands. Fell trees as thick as in rafts on all 
the roads before him; burn every bridge and block up the fords. Hang upon his 
front, flanks, and rear, and make the ring of your rifles and shot-guns be the 
accompaniment »f every foot of his retreat. Let every man feel and know that 
this appeal is addressed to him especially, and that it is the appeal of a bleeding 
country to her sons for deliverance. Our army in the field will do its part. Will 
you do yours? [Signed] T. C. Hindman, 

Major- General. 

Just back of the town of Helena, Ark., on the high table land 
lying along the bluffs was the beautiful plantation of General 
Hindman (the author of the above vain-glorious and brutal 
proclamation), a place that had been noted in former y ears as the 
scene of many festivities when young Hindman was the host, who 
with his dapper little person and fine clothes imagined himself to 
be " the glass of fashion and mould of form."' 

The Bowling Green (Ky.) Gazette gives the following descrip- 
tion of Hindman, the rebel General in Arkansas : 

" Hindman's parents came from Connecticut, and settled near Knoxville, 
Tenn., near which place Hindman first saw daylight, Hindman's father was cat's- 
paw to Benjamin and Slidell in the monster Plaquemine fraud upon the United 
States some years ago, to the amount of $3,000,000. Young Hindman is a lady's 
man of stamp No. 1. He stands five feet one inch in his very fancy patent 
leathers; wears the finest of clothing, tight-fitting clothes; hair in curls fourteen 
inches in length, falling gracefully over his shoulders, and well oiled; a jaunty 
little cap upon the top of his forehead, to display to eveiy advantage the back 
curls; rose-colored kid gloves, and rattan — gives one the pen-portrait of the little 
rebel Hindman . "' 



44 HISTORY OF THE 

We moved right along with no serious delay, though the rebels 
tried every way in their power to impede our progress by fell- 
ing trees across the road, putting up barricades and abatis, filling 
many wells with logs and filth to prevent our thirsty soldiers from 
getting a drink of water. There had been no rainfall for months, 
and the roads and indeed the whole country was full of that dry 
clay-colored dust, in some places to the depth of three or four 
inches, and as the long columns of troops marched along it be- 
came almost unendurable. There were a few water-courses we 
crossed, which in ordinary times were filled with water, but which 
uoav were quite dry, and the inhabitants were generally disposed to 
render what water there was unfit for use by our men. Portions 
of the command would strike off across the field into the woods, 
anywhe"e to escape the intolerable heat, thirst and dust, spread- 
ing out sometimes a distance of six or eight miles from the main 
columns. The hospital-train soon became a long one, and was cer- 
tainly a medley, as it was made of hospital and ambulance wagons, 
and as these became full from the many poor fellows becoming sick 
and unable to march or ride their horses, they were put into the 
hospital train. Soon we began to confiscate from the resources 
of the country, and it was not a rare sight to see a fine family 
carriage, an old buggy, a cart or even an old stage-coach, with an 
impromtu mule team, and perhaps a rope harness, all brought into 
requisition, mostly without the formality of an order from the 
General, Quartermaster, and Surgeon. 

With this heterogeneous medley of material, our hospital 
department did much to alleviate the distress of the many that 
gave out on this terrible march. Many a poor fellow failed to 
reach the goal for which we were then striving, namely the Mis- 
sissippi River, where we knew there was an abundance of supplies, 
rations, san it aiy goods, and quartermaster stores. On this march 
through Arkansas five Comrades of the Ninth wearily laid down 
to their last sleep, and many more never recovered from the effects 
of their exposures, and died at Helena or in the various hospitals 
of the North to which they were sent. It was an experience that 
makes one shudder to recall — day after day toiling on with the 
•Confederate troops ever in our front vainly trying to keep us back. 

On the Fourth of July we encamped at Augusta on the White 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 45 

River. This town is some sixty-five miles from Helena, and not. 
far from St. Charles, where the Confederates had recently blown 
up one of our gunboats. We then hoped to reach our transport 
soon. Here the army took a much needed rest, and celebrated the 
day by a national salute, a parade, patriotic speeches by General 
Benton, Colonels Hovey, Bussey and Washburn, the reading of 
the Declaration of Independence, and rousing cheers for the jN a- 
tional flag. 

July 7th our cavalry was engaged to some extent at Cache 
River or Cotton Plant. In this engagement the enemy lost large- 
ly, nearly one hundred and fifty being killed, and many prison- 
ers captured. The loss of the Union army was seven killed and 
fifty-seven wounded, mainly from the Thirty-third Illinois Infan- 
try and the First Indiana Cavalry. 

In this affair the Ninth suffered no loss. The Rebel force here 
was composed, mainly, of two regiments of Texas Rangers, a fine 
soldierly set of fellows. In some accounts this battle is termed 
the Battle of Peach Mound, Ark., because of large peach orchards 
near by. Our hospitals were on the hills among the peach threes. 
Well do I remember that bright morning, July 8th, riding among 
the trees, where were laid the dead and wounded, both Union and 
Confederate, all receiving the same treatment and care from our 
Surgeons and attendants. Major Clendenning and Captain Sloan 
of the First Indiana Cavalry lay in a building close by, dead, and 
one brave soldier, with both feet tied together by the ropes, 
which had been used by his captors to tie him to the tree, where 
his comrades had found him, dead, shot by the rebels. He was a 
courier, sent out, in the hope of reaching the expedition sent up 
the White River, to inform them that Curtis' army would soon 
be there, but, unfortunately, not one of our brave men, sent on 
the perilous duty, ever got through. When we arrived at Claren- 
don, the transports and fleet had come and gone the day before 
our advance arrived — no doubt, supposing that we had taken 
some other route, or afraid of being captured. It was, indeed, a. 
bitter disappointment to our poor fellows, so many of whom were 
sick and worn out with the long march, the heat and dust, and 
poor supplies to be obtained. There was nothing to stop for 
here, and, after a little rest, the command again took up their 



46 HISTOKY OF THE 

line of march, this time toward the Mississippi River, Helena 
being the objective point, where we knew a large fleet, with 
plent} 7- of everything to make us comfortable, awaited our coming. 
Some of Curtis' command arrived there on July 14, 1862, at 
Helena, Ark. 

This town had been of considerable importance, being situated 
about midway between Memphis and Vicksburg. Just previous 
to our arrival the whole surface of the town had been almost 
completely inundated by the overflow of the Mississippi River, 
consequent^, the air was full of the poison of malaria, arising 
from the dank decaying of that which had recently been a rank 
growth of vegetation. We went into camp just above the town, 
on the immediate bank of the river. In this God-forsaken 
country the Ninth Illinois Cavalry had their headquarters till 
April 7, 1863. Soon after their arrival the regiment was 
assigned to the Third Brigade, Colonel Cyrus Bussey, of General 
A. P. Hovey's Division, District of Southeastern Arkansas, com- 
manded by General Steele. 

A FAMOUS MARCH — FIGHTING OUR WAY THROUGH ARKANSAS. 

A SOLDIER'S ACCOUNT OP THE MARCH OP GENERAL CURTIS' COLUMN THROUGH 
ARKANSAS TO THE MISSISSIPPI IN THE SUMMER OP 1862 — PLENTY OF FIGHT- 
ING AND PLENTY OF HOT WEATHER, BUT VERY LITTLE FORAGE OR WATER 
ON THE WEARY TRIP. 

[From the Chicago Times, Saturday, August 7, 1886.1 
The march of Major-General Curtis' army from Batesville to Helena, in the 
summer of 1862, was one of the most arduous and fatiguing of any made during 
the civil war. The weather was intensely hot, and the road lay through the mala- 
ria-breeding swamps and fenlands, where the trailing masses of Spanish moss 
on the great cypress trees wave like mourning bands over the reeking lands. 
Everything grows there in the rankest profusion, and the cotton and corn fields 
are most beautiful, the ground being rich and easily cultivated. Most of the peo- 
ple residingin this region were strong in their secession feelings, and, being con- 
siderable slave-owners, were willing to shed their blood for what they considered 
right. There were many large plantations where great gangs of slaves were 
worked successfully, the cultivation being something marvelous. The}' believed 
that the Union soldiers were endeavoring to escape from their State, and that this 
was the time to get in front and annihilate them. That the Union soldiers w i re 
suffering for want of rations was true enough, but it was known that steamboats 
loaded with provisions for our army were moving up White River, and we hoped 
to meet them at Clarendon. 

The General had left the Ninth Regiment of Illinois Cavalry, under Colonel 
Albert G. Brackett, at the junction of the Black and White Rivers, to guard his 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 47 

lines in that direction, while the main army lay in and about Batesville, some 
twenty-five miles distant. Being very much in need of rations and forage, forag- 
ing parties were frequently sent out, which in most instances returned with Iheir 
wagons loaded. On the 12th of June, Major Humphrey, of the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry, started out on one of these expeditions, and, after crossing White River, 
went about five miles below Jacksonport, where his command of four companies 
was furiously assailed by the enemy, and several of his men were wounded. Feel- 
ing that he was unable to cope with the superior numbers of the Confederates, 
and fearing that his train would be captured, he sent back for reinforcements. A 
few minutes after getting the word Colonel Brackett started out to assist his men, 
taking two more companies of his own regiment and two companies of Missouri 
cavalry, with two mountain howitzers. Upon reaching the ground he formed 
four companies in a cotton field, who charged the enemy, putting them to flight 
with a loss of twenty-eight men; saved his own train of thirty -six wagons, after 
having filled it with corn and bacon, and returned safely to his own camp late 
that evening. The fight took place on the Waddell farm, one of the finest in that 
country. The cotton-gin and tool-house were burned during the fight. 

The main army under General Curtis started from Batesville on the 24th of 
June, and slowly toiled toward Jacksonport, the roads being dusty and the heat 
almost unendurable. Sad, indeed, was it for the sick and wounded men who 
gasped and panted in the hot weather, there being no cool shade and cool water 
for them, the whole country fairly -seething. The Army of the Southwest was 
composed of three divisions, commanded, respectively, by Brigadier-Generals 
Steele, First; Carr, Second; and Osterhaus, Third; making a very respectable 
command. Of course, the progress was not as if they had been on a railroad 
train, and seemed slow beyond measure, but everybody was buoyed up with the 
hope that when we reached Clarendon, on White River, the whole of our sur- 
roundings would change, and we would have at least enough to eat. The troops 
at the junction of White and Black Rivers were sent ahead to clear the road and 
see what could be found in the direction of Augusta. There was comparatively 
little left in the country in the way of food, both armies having lived off of it for 
a considerable time, and nearly stripped it of everything. The Confederate troops 
were commanded by Major-General Thomas C. Hindman, who was energetic and 
watchful, and who had taken pains by proclamations to rouse the most bitter 
feelings toward the Union soldiers. 

On the 27th of June large trains were sent out from the camp on Village 
Creek for the purpose of seeing what more could be obtained which would be of 
service to the Federals. These trains were attacked, and Lieutenant Alvin II. Gris- 
wold and three soldiers of the Third Iowa Cavalry were killed, and four others 
wounded. At the same time the train of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry was attacked, 
though guarded by a battalion of the Regiment under Major Wallis, and that officer 
sent back for help. Colonel Brackett at once started out with another battalion 
of the regiment to go to his relief, and after marching some three miles found 
the train halted near a piece of woods. As soon as he took in the situation, the 
Colonel started into the timber, determined to try conclusions with the Confeder- 
ates, if they could be found. The way was dark in the afternoon, the trees liana;, 
ing over the road so as to form almost a continuous arch way. He had not °-one 



48 HISTORY OF THE 

far when his advance guard, under Captain Knight, came suddenly upon the 
rebels under Colonel Matlock, as they moved silently along the tlirt road, making 
scarcely any noise. The leading sets of four fired their revolvers almost simul- 
taneously, Captain Knight being shot through the body and dropping from his 
horse. The Confederates immediately retreated, our men pushing them closely, 
until they reached a dense swamp, where they threw themselves off their horses 
and took to the trees, firing as rapidly as possible. The fight became as hot 
as the most fastidious person could desire, and so continued until darkness 
came on, when the Confederates retreated, leaving their dead men on the ground. 
Both sides were severely crippled, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry having thirty-three 
killed and wounded, Colonel Brackett, Major Wallis, Captain Knight, and Adju- 
tant Blackburn being among the latter. This action occurred on Stewart's plan- 
tation, and is so laid down in history. The Confederates, according to their own 
admission, lost over fifty in killed and wounded. What gave the Colonel the 
greatest satisfaction was saving the train from falling into the hands of the 
enemy, as it was very valuable, and was of great assistance afterward in going 
through to the Mississippi River. 

Back the men went to their camp, and on the following day repaired dam- 
ages as well as possible, and paid the last tribute of respect to those who had 
fallen. A sad and solemn duty, and doubly solemn as the great trees overhead 
sighed and sobbed as the men were laid away in their last resting place. After the 
excitement of the fight, the reaction was extremely depressing. 

The next six days carried the huge column to Augusta, where a handsome 
village was found, though there were but few men to be seen belonging to the 
place, they having joined the various military organizations, which were endea- 
voring to arrest our progress. The Fourth of July was spent here, and celebrated 
as well as circumstances would admit. Many Union men of Arkansas had assem- 
bled, who were formed into a regiment by General Curtis, and though they did 
not present a very martial aspect, their good-will toward the old flag made up 
many shortcomings in other respects. They w r ere game men, however, as Arkan. 
sans usually are. 

The Confederates had been busy in blockading the road, felling trees therein, 
and filling up the wells near the farmhouses. When the wells could not be 
stopped up readily, the buckets were broken and rails thrown down into them. 
On the 7th of July, Colonel Charles E. Hovey, of the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry 
Volunteers, commanding a brigade, directed Colonel Harris, with four companies 
of the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteers, four companies of the Thirty-third Illi- 
nois, and one steel gun belonging to the First Indiana Cavalry, to make a recon- 
naissance in front of our lines. He fell in with the rebel pickets near Hill's plan- 
tation, fired on them, and, following them up some time, fell into an ambuscade. 
The woods swarmed with Confederate soldiers, and the fire was very sharp, there 
being over two thousand Texas troops drawn up in line of battle. After some 
decided fighting, the enemy fell back on their main line, while Harris pushed 
forward, until he in turn was compelled to fall back with his men, being himself 
severely wounded, the Texans having made a determined charge upon tliem. At 
this time Colonel Hovey arrived with reinforcements, and, forming his men, 
received the shock of a charge from the enemy, which was twice repeated, when 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 49 

they broke under the withering fire of the infantry. At this time a battalion of 
the First Indiana Cavalry came thundering forward by orders of General Curtis, 
and completed the discomfiture of the enemy. The disunionists, about twenty- 
five hundred strong, were under the immediate command of Brigadier-General 
Albert Rust, and their loss amounted to over two hundred in killed and wounded. 
On our side Capt. William W. Sloane, of the Fiist Indiana Cavalry, was killed, 
and Major R. M. Clendenning, of the same regiment, was very seriously wounded. 
Colonel Harris, Captain Christie, and Lieutenant Deon, of the Eleventh "Wiscon- 
sin, were wounded, as was Captain Potter, of the Thirty-third Illinois, our total 
loss aggregating sixty-three. The wounded Confederates, as well as our own, 
were gathered into the yard in front of Mr. Hill's house, and presented a most 
pitiful appearance. The rebels could not understand it, as their officers had 
assured them the Federals were retreating, and that they would give way as soon 
as attacked. 

Major-General Hindman had expected better things from General Rust, whose 
command retreated across White River, many of the Texans and Arkansans 
deserting at that time. Inthisrepoit Hindman was not very complimentary in 
his remarks about them. This is all very well, perhaps, but Hindman was not 
there himself to witness the fight, or he would have been swept off the field with 
the others. 

On our march the negroes, had fairly swarmed around us, coming from 
every mansion, log cabin, and habitable place in the whole region. Some of the 
women had taken the finery belonging to their mistresses, and, putting it on, strut- 
ted alongside of the column with great bundles on Iheir heads. Little children 
walked briskly, while old men and young plodded on as if their lives depended 
upon reaching some place in front — exactly what place they neither knew nor 
cared. So excited a body of humanity never was seen before; here was the real- 
ization of the hopes of liberty which they had kept alive for years. Some were 
almost delirious with joy, and for a time forgot the hunger which would soon be 
upon them. We had not much ourselves, and could not well spare a great deal 
for these poor creatures, but they got along some wa} r , and never returned to their 
old masters and mistresses. A new life was opening up before them, and they 
were to make their way as best they could. 

At some of the camps we had no water except such as had gathered in holes 
where the great trees had been blow r n down, which was both warm and muddy — 
about the color of chocolate — but we had to drink it, as there was no other. 
Corn bread and fresh beef w T as our usual diet, but at times we came across great 
fields of green corn, w T hen we feasted on roasting ears. Frequently the dust was 
terrible, and the cavalry would be obliged to make long detours on the side of 
the road to keep from smothering the infantry completely. At other times the 
rain fell, and all night long everything was wet and comfortless. Then, when 
the sun came out, the steam would rise in great wreaths, and we were as hot as in 
steam baths. Everything seemed to be in confusion, but still we toiled on and on. 
knowing that eventually we would reach the river, or find a resting place forever 
by the roadside. 

Several houses were burned on the march, they being the property of seces- 
sionists, who were too free in expressing their views before the Union men. One 
4 



50 HISTORY OF THE 

fine mansion was occupied by 3ome ladies, who were very violent in their opin- 
ions, as well as insolent to our officers and soldiers. This could Dot continue long, 
and asone regiment after another passed the house, the indignation increased, and 
an hour afterward, what had been an inviting mansion, with trees and shrubbery, 
was but a shapeless mass of charred beams. 

On the 9th of July, the troops were in motion by dawn of day, reveille having 
been sounded an hour before dawn. A twenty-five mile march lay before us, 
wlienwe would reach Clarendon, fondly believing we would there find an abun- 
dance of everything. We were in one extended column, over seven miles in 
length, moving over a level country, where there were no hills or rocks. We 
suffered greatly for want of water, but a small frog-pond, found about midday, 
furnished some fluid, many gladly drinking "the green mantle of the standing 
pool." About four miles from Clarendon, a messenger reached General Curtis, 
and informed him that the gunboats, with transports loaded with rations for our 
army, had left the place, and gone back the night before. Was ever anything so 
provoking? Messengers were sent ahead at once, but they were probably captured 
by the enemy, and did no good. We marched sullenly into the place, and then 
prepared to push forward to Helena, on the Mississippi River, sixty-five miles 
distant, on the following morning. No one can tell how much we suffered from 
disappointment, nor how aggravating it was, to be so near our supplies, and thus 
be thwarted in getting them. No one was really to blame, however. We were 
simply unable to get messengers through the country, telling our friends of our 
approach, as every horseman was siezed by the Confederates, and, if unable to 
give a good account of himself, summarily disposed of. 

We remained in camp on the 10th, to rest our weary men and horses, before 
attempting the great march to the river, which we must reach, at any rate, to 
save our lives. General Grant, then in command of the Army of the Tennessee at 
Memphis, felt the absolute necessity of getting supplies to General Curtis, and on 
the 26th of June sent the following letter to Colonel Graham N. Fitch, command- 
ing the White River expedition: 

" Sir: I send five steamers loaded with supplies for General Curtis' army. As 
they necessarily pass through a hostile country, great caution will have to be exer- 
cised, to prevent these supplies from falling into the hands of the enemy, or from 
being destroyed . 

" I have selected you as commander of the expedition, and reinforce you with 
two additional regiments, as you will perceive from special orders accompanying 

this. 

"It would be impossible to give full, special instructions for the management 
of this expedition. Much must necessarily be left to the discretion of the officer in 
command. I would suggest, however, that two pieces of artillery be placed on 
the bow of the boat intended to lead; that all of them be kept well together; when 
you tie up for the night, strong guards be thrown out upon the shore, and that the 
troops be landed and required to march, and clear out all points suspected of con- 
cealing a foe. 

" R is desirable these supplies should reach General Curtis as early as possible. 
As soon as the boats can possibly be discharged, return them, bringing your 
entire command to St. Charles, or to where you now are. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 51 

" It is not intended that you shall reach General Curtis against all obstacles, but 
it is highly desirable that he should be reached. 

" I am, Colonel, your obedient servant, 
[Signed] " U. S. Grant, 

" Major-General Commanding." 

We started on the 11th, and soon came to a land where there was an abun- 
dance of everything — fodder for our horses, food for ourselves, and plenty of 
water. We marched all day and all night, many of the men being overcome by 
drowsiness and fatigue. Some dropped from their horses, others laid quietly 
down by the roadside — quite a number to rise no more. So we kept on, until 9 
o'clock on the following morning, when we reached Helena, and the great march 
was over. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Sickness at Helena — Many sent North — Brass guns Assigned 
to the Ninth — Fight at La Grange, Ark. — Major Burgh's 
Expedition with General Washburn in Mississippi — Cap- 
ture of the Gun — The Friendship of General Washburn. 

AFTER our arrival at Helena, it was soon found to be the case 
that a large part of the regiment was sick, jaded and worn 
out. Hospitals were established, while a large number were put 
on the transports that were arriving, some of which were being 
transformed into hospital boats and sent North, some to St. Louis 
and Cairo, and quite a number farther up the river to the hos- 
pitals in other cities. Others were granted furloughs and sick- 
leave, and went direct to their homes. Many, very many, took 
their departure from this place to their long home, and their bones 
are now T lying upon the hills so beautiful, just above our camping 
ground. 

While in camp here our Regiment suffered terribly from dis- 
ease; often there were not enough men in camp to care for the 
sick and properly look after the horses. 

August 10th, when the regiment was called upon for an escort 

to a forage train sent out by one of the Iowa regiments, there 

■ were but seventy soldiers fit for duty. This showed the terrible 

state of health, which lasted till the winter frosts and cool weather 

killed some of the poison. 

September 15, 1862, the regiment received two twelve-pounder 
howitzers, which were placed under the command of Lieut. 
E. G. Butler, of Company F, and details of men made from 
different companies of the regiment. These guns did good serv- 
ice in many of our engagements, and the men in whose charge 
they were placed took great pride in their use against the enemy. 
and they were brought into frequent action. 

October 11th, a small party out on a scout captured, within 
i welve miles of Helena, a rebel picket of twelve men. November 

52 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 53 

3th, Captain Perkins with two companies of the Ninth and a detail 
from some other cavalry regiment had quite a lively brush with 
the Confederate troops in much larger numbers. There had been 
desultory firing by small parties during the day, and our com- 
mand was on the alert, knowing that the rebs were ever about. 
At 2 p. m. Captain Perkins halted his command by the roadside 
for rest and to feed both men and horses. 

They had just become fairly interested in the work, when firing 
was heard in the direction of the picket. The men were hastily 
formed in line. The two howitzers had been stationed in the road, 
and under the command of Lieutenant Butler were already 
charged with grape and canister. The Confederates came 
charging down the road. Captain Perkins gave orders not to fire 
till they were near. The men, though eager, waited till a regi- 
ment of Texas cavalry were within musket range, when they 
opened on them with telling effect, supplemented with rapid fir- 
ing from the carbines, and sent them whirling back with many 
saddles empty. The rebels charged again, but not with the dash 
of the first encounter, and were driven back the same way. The 
enemy's loss was about fifty, while ours was small. 

At this stage of the campaign, November, 1862, General Grant 
bad made Holl} T Springs a depot of supplies of all sorts of muni- 
tions of war, all of which came by rail from Columbus, Ky., with 
a few stores at LaGrange and Grand Junction. 

An expedition was ordered by General Halleck from the troops 
at Helena, west of the Mississippi (which district was not then 
under General Grant's command), under Generals C. C. Wash- 
burn and A. P. Hovey to cut the railroad in the rear of Pember- 
ton's army, and thus delay his retrograde march. 

General Grant in his Memoirs says: "The expedition did reach 
the railroad, and the damage done was great, though it was soon 
repaired by the rebels." Pemberton at this time was strongly 
fortified on the south side of the Tallahatchee, but the demonstra- 
tion of the cavalry, some of whom had crossed higher up, caused 
him to hastily evacuate his position, which, as Grant again says, 
■" was accelerated by the expeditions of Generals Hovey and Wash- 
burn." 



54 HISTORY OF THE 

In this expedition of General Washburn, the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry had one battalion, about one hundred and fifty men, 
under the command of Major Harry B. Burgh, and the importance 
of the movement and the results accomplished was even more 
than was expected. The enemy took alarm, and left almost a 
clear coast for Grant's army to follow; which it immediately did, 
and on the 8th of November occupied Grand Junction and La- 
Grange, and on the 13th went into Holly Springs. 

The battalion of the Ninth penetrated to the suburbs of Grenada, 
and destroyed railway and telegraphic communications between 
Pemberton and his base of supplies. At Coffeeville this de- 
tachment of the Ninth behaved with great gallantry, and in a 
charge on the enemy, recaptured a gun belonging to an Indiana 
battery, which the Confederates had a short time previously 
captured from our forces. During this expedition the battalion 
of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry commanded by Major Burgh did 
such excellent service as to attract the attention of General Wash- 
burn, who complimented Major Burgh in the highest terms on the 
splendid manner in which he handled his command, and who 
thereafter became the warm friend and patron of the regiment, 
and through whose friendly assistance the regiment soon after 
succeeded in procuring, for the first time, a supply of really good 
firearms. 

On General Washburn's promotion to Major-General, and his 
appointment to the command of the cavalry of the district of 
West Tennessee, he made application for the transfer of the 
Ninth from Arkansas to Tennessee, the pleasant result of which 
was the removal of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry from the malarial 
atmosphere of Arkansas to the more healthful climate of West 
Tennessee, in the following spring. 



CHAPTER VII. 

The Gorman Expedition — Capture of Arkansas Post — St. 
Charles and the " Little Pests " — Return to Helena — 
Election of Two Majors. 

JANUARY 10, 1863, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry moved (with 
General Gorman's expedition to DuVall's Bluff) as far as St. 
Charles, three companies marching across from Helena and the 
remainder on the steamer Lebanon, with a fleet of twentv-one 
transports and two gunboats, among them the elegant side-wheel 
palace steamers, Ruth and Imperial, the Ruth not long there- 
after being burned at St. Louis. It was a magnificent sight to see 
the fleet of vessels, especially at night. M 

We sailed to the mouth of White River, and then up that 
stream as far as St. Charles, one hundred and twenty-one miles 
from the mouth. Here the fleet tied up, and a part of the cav- 
alry was sent out about twelve miles, but no enemy was found ; 
a portion going up still higher to DuVall's Bluff. The fortifica- 
tions here were very heavy and strong, and had recently been 
evacuated by the Confederate troops, under Colonel Fry, to re- 
lieve Arkansas Post, but only arrived at the latter place in time 
to be taken in as prisoners by General Sherman and Admiral 
Porter, who, on January 11th, captured the Post with six thou- 
sand prisoners, seventeen guns and a large amount of Government 
stores. Had the Confederate troops remained in their fortifica- 
tions at St. Charles, they would undoubtedly have been able to 
have given us a hard fight. 

The capture of Arkansas Post was very important, situated 
fifty miles from the mouth of the Arkansas River, and not far 
from the capital of the State, Little Rock, and had left this part 
of the country, west of the Mississippi, pretty w r ell cleared of 
Confederate troops. While our two companies, B and C, and 
one infantry regiment, remained at St. Charles, the weather 

55 



56 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

turned very cold. The snow was several inches deep, and it was 
said to be the coldest spell in fourteen years. 

The troops took possession of a lot of buildings lately occu- 
pied by the Confederate soldiers. Before they left, however, 
they were sorry they had done so. The quarters fairly swarmed 
with those little pests " that stick closer than a brother," and 
that made our boys, who were unaccustomed to their presence, 
very hot, indeed. This reminds me of a little story. One of our 
prominent Generals was standing with a group of staff officers 
with an elegant new uniform on, when one of his staff called his 
attention to a little insect crawling on the outside of his coat. 
The General looked down, and, without changing a muscle of his 
countenance, reached for the animal, unbuttoned his coat, and 
carefully placing the insect inside, remarked, " Get in there, you 
little devil, to where you belong." 

January 23d, the Regiment returned to Helena and camped in 
rear of Fort Curtis, our old camp being in possession of negroes, 
who had the small-pox. 

January 21, 1§63, Lieutenant-Colonel II. F. Sickles having re- 
signed, there was an election for Lieutenant-Colonel of the Ninth. 
Major H. J. Humphrey was elected to fill the place. At about 
the same time elections were held for two Majors, and Captains 
M. L. Perkins and L. F. Booth were elected to fill these posi- 
tions, their recommendations were sent forward, and they were 
placed on duty as Majors, but were never commissioned as such. 
Captain Ira R. Gifford, of Company E, and Captain L. D. 
Bishop, of Company H, were the fortunate individuals who 
finally received the two coveted Mayorships. 

On the 13th of February, the Ninth participated in a skirmish 
on the Yazoo Cut Off, and met with small loss, though a number 
of the enemy were killed and wounded. 

February 14th, General Prentiss relieved General Gorman in 
command at Helena. A detachment of the Ninth was stationed 
at Fryers' Point, about twenty miles below. A short distance 
down from Helena was the plantation of the Rebel General Pil- 
low ; to this place the boys would make frequent excursions, car- 
rying off what they desired. 



« CHAPTER VIII. 

The Regiment Moves to Memphis - To Germantown -New 
Equipments - Fighting Forrest's Cavalry - Ladies in Camp 
-Suicide of a Soldier -Major Burgh's Gallant Fight 
With Chalmers - Skirmishing and Fighting in Tennessee 
and Mississippi - Senatobia- Coldwater- Panola- 1 all 

OF VlCKSBURG - AFTER COLONEL RlCHARDSON - FlGHT OF CoLO- 

nel Hatch at Jackson -Fight at Grenada - Capture and 
Destruction of a Large Amount of Confederate Property 
— Lieutenant Shattuck Cut Off. 



M 



ONDAY, April 6th, at 10 p. m., we received orders to move 
j_ at ei^ht o'clock the next morning, and, though one hun- 
dred and thirty men were out on a scout, the remainder of the regi- 
ment reported at the wharf at the appointed time Tuesday morn- 
ing and immediately began to embark our men and horses on the 
fine large steamer Illinois, which not only carried our regiment, 
but a portion of an infantry regiment as well. We did not leave 
Helena until 2 p. m,. and arrived at Memphis, Tenn., after an un- 
eventful trip without accident, at daylight Wednesday morning, 
April 7 After a seven-mile march hunting up a camping ground, 
we finally settled in a very pleasant spot about three miles south- 
east of Memphis, and a quarter of a mile from the river All will 
remember this beautiful camp among the trees; it really seemed 
that we were in « God's country" again. But we did not remain 
in this spot long; soon the order came for us to move out on the 
Memphis & Charleston Railroad, and we marched fifteen miles 
to a pleasant little place called Germantowi, The camp here 
was situated in woods one mile from the town. 

April 18th, we received an outfit of new tents, which came in 
good play, as our old ones were about played out. The Ninth was 
then under the command of General Sherman, and had been 



58 HISTORY OF THE 

assigned to Colonel McCrellis' Brigade of the Sixteenth Army 
Corps, Major-General C. C. Washburn commanding. 

On the line of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad and 
points in that vicinity, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry were engaged 
for more than eighteen months almost constantly ; scouting after 
and lighting some part of the rebel cavalry commanded by that 
wily and unscrupulous paragon of a cavalry fighting General, N. 
B. Forrest, with whom the Confederate army had no equal, at least 
in the Southwest. Now here, now there, Forrest and his men 
seemed to be ubiquitous. It would be impossible to name all the 
tights we had with some portion of his cavalry. 

As yet we were but poorly equipped with horses and arms, 
but the first began to come soon after our arrival at Memphis, 
and Major Burgh (who was indefatigable in his endeavors), in the 
latter part of April, succeeded in procuring an outfit of new arms, 
mostly Colt's revolving rifles, which were really a very effective 
arm, and two companies with Sharp carbines put us in much bet- 
ter shape than ever before. 

At this time, with a partial new mount of horses, new tents,, 
and new arms, we were really proud of our regiment once more. 
An inspection of the regiment took place April 2 7, by a Colonel 
of the regular army, who complimented the officers and men on 
their fine soldierly appearance. 

April 28th, we were again made glad by the appearance of the 
United States Paymaster among us, who paid the regiment up to 
March 1, 1863. 

At this time there was quite a number of ladies (the wives of 
officers) in camp. They were established in a line of tents near 
headquarters, which had been dubbed "Crinoline Row." There 
were in camp during the spring and summer, among others whom 
I do not now recall, the following : Mrs. Harper, Mrs. Clifford,. 
Mrs. Cowen, Mrs. McMeannis, Mrs. Perkins, Mrs. Christy, Mrs. 
Ellsworth, Mrs. Blackburn and Mrs. Pullman. The presence of 
these ladies made our camp appear quite civilized, and no doubt 
had much to do in keeping both officers and men on their good 
behaviour. Many social gatherings took place, and many happy 
hours passed quickly away, which, otherwise would have hung 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 59 

heavy on the hands of those far from home influences. It is to 
the credit of every man, a member of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 
that during the stay of the ladies in camp, there never was one of 
them subjected to insult or anything other than respectful con- 
sideration. Neither will it be thought strange if those gentlemen, 
who were so fortunate as to have their wives with them, should 
sometimes think that the detail for their services for "officer of the 
day " to command a scouting party, or some of the various duties 
devolving upon them, came pretty often; but no one ever rebelled 
in the slightest degree, though we don't know what they thought. 

May 12, 1863, a very sad occurrence took place in camp. Ser- 
geant David A. Ewing, Company E, committed suicide by shoot- 
ing himself while in the captain's tent. Bad news from home 
was the cause of the rash act. He was much beloved by all who 
knew him. 

May 15th. A short time after our arrival at Germantown,. 
Major Burgh, with a part of the Ninth and a small detachment 
of the Third Illinois Cavalry, under Major O'Connor, about three 
hundred men in all, while on a scout, encountered a large force of 
Confederates under General Chalmers, and had a very narrow es- 
cape from capture. They were out two days or more, and had 
not been advised by those supposed to know that there was any 
very large force of rebel troops in their vicinity, but were in- 
formed by a Mrs. Morris, at whose house they stopped, that there 
had been a fight at Wall Hill the day before, in which our forces 
had been beaten. [This was Colonel Hatch's command.] It seems 
that Chalmers, with a large force, after his fight with Hatch the 
day before, was still ready for fight, especially if the enemy was 
smaller in numbers. When this little command of Major Burgh's 
was found to be in his vicinity, he thought he could easily bag 
them. 

In the meantime Major Burgh had not been idle, but, camping* 
that night on the south side of the Cold water, with the enemy 
in possession of the crossings, it behooved him to find some other 
way out. He sent Lieutenant Roberts, of Company G, to one 
of the houses in the vicinity. One of the women had that after- 
noon come across the river from the mill. Lieutenant Boberts 
remarked that she had had a long trip. " Oh no,'' she replied, " we 



■60 HISTORY OF THE 

have cut a new road through to aford higher up," designating the 
spot. This was just what Roberts wanted to find out. He asked 
many questions quite innocent like, and the woman little thought 
she had given the Yankees a key of escape. Lieutenant Roberts 
soon reported what he had learned to Major Burgh, and he then 
laid his plans for the morrow. Chalmers was quietly waiting for 
our forces to fall right into his hands like ripe peaches, but he 
reckoned without his host. Earlv the next morning, after a good 
deal of search, Major Burgh had found the new ford (unknown to 
Chalmers), and was moving away from his more powerful enemy, 
when the Confederates beset him in the rear and made a deter- 
mined effort to surround him, but with his two little guns and by 
brilliant management, after some sharp fighting, he brought his 
command in safety from the field with but very small loss, while 
the punishment the rebels received was not so light. Major 
Burgh was highly complimented for the brilliant and adroit man- 
ner in which this affair was managed and the officers of his com- 
mand were all worthy of the high praise which the} 7 received. 

A BRILLIANT RECONNOISANCE OF THE NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

[From the Mcmyliis Bulletin, May IS, 1863."] 

Cavalry dashes into the enemy's country have become of late quite common 
occurrences. The National officers and soldiers find it both stale and unprofitable 
to remain in camp from one week's end to another, and are only too glad when 
the order is given to " pack up and move." Acting under that state of feelings, 
Major Burgh with one hundred and fifty men of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and 
•one hundred and fifty of the Third Illinois Cavalry, left camp near Germantown 
on a reconnoitering expedition, with the instruction to do all that lay in his 
power to destroy the enemy wherever he could be found. When they had 
proceeded on their way as far as Cockrun's Corners, in DeSoto Count} - , Miss., 
and twelve miles from Holly Springs, they came upon a small detachment of 
rebel cavalry, who fled toward Stafford. Here the National forces were met 
by a party of guerrillas, estimated at one hundred and fifty, under the command 
of Colonel Faulkner, who fell back toward Tullahoma. Our cavalry pursued 
them on a quick gallop, but not fast enough to come up with the enemy. They 
rested for the night. This was Thursday. Early Friday morning Major Burgh 
ascertained that the entire force of the rebel General Chalmers was estimated by 
the inhabitants at three thousand infantry, cavalry and artillery. The question, on 
Major Burgh receiving this information, was whether to go back the road he had 
come and fight the entire rebel force with three hundred men or take another route. 
In conversation with a lady, Major Burgh was informed that the Coldwater was 
fordable. The order was given to take the road and ford the Coldwater, and 
then hold their position. The Third Illinois was sent to the plantation of Mr. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 61 

Bowen to breakfast, while the Ninth Illinois was posted about three miles in the 
advance. Major Burgh had come to the conclusion that the story told by the inhab- 
itants in the country through which he had passed was without foundation, when 
he was startled by a soldier of the Third Cavalry, who came on with a rush, tell- 
ing the Major that an attack had been made on the rear. The Ninth Illinois were 
at once formed and marched to the scene of action, where he found a large body 
of the enemy, consisting of infantry and cavalry. Then came the severest little 
fight which has yet been recorded. The rebels were in the woods, and the Fed- 
erals in the open field. The Ninth Illinois are splendidly armed, and each and 
every man used them to the entire satisfaction of their officers. Major Burgh 
finding the rebels too strong in point of numbers, the woods being alive with 
them, fell back to the woods, but the rebels concluded not to c/>rne from un- 
der cover. At a double log house a number of rebels were secreted, causing 
great annoyance to the Federals. Captain Perkins was ordered to throw a shell 
into the house and dislodge them; and no sooner was the order given than it was 
carried into execution, resulting in driving them helter-skelter from the house. 
The fight lasted all day Friday. At dark the Federals moved, and on Saturday 
arrived at camp at Germantown, with the loss of five killed and ten wounded. 
The rebel loss must have been four times ours in killed and wounded. The 
Federals took a few prisoners, while they did not lose a single man by that means. 
The officers who particularly signalized themselves during the engagement were 
Major Burgh, Captain Perkins, Lieutenants McClure and Roberts. 

The camp at Germantown was reinforced by two regiments 
of infantry and a section of artillery, a raid being expected from 
the Confederates to strike the railroad at some point between La 
Grange and Memphis. It was thought it might be at this station, 
so all the troops Avere on the alert. 

May 21st, Companies G and B, under Captains Buel and Mock 
(Captain Buel in command of the detachment), was sent out on the 
Pigeon Roost road, patrolling to Olive Branch. At this place they 
came upon a company of Forrest's cavalry, and had a lively skirm- 
ish, driving the rebels back and down to the Coldwater. Our 
forces were larger than that of the rebels, and of course they re- 
treated, but kept up a pretty sharp tiring, and obliged our men to 
keep under cover. Captain Buel handled his men very hand- 
somely, and bravely charging drove the rebs over the river. They 
had considerable skirmishing for two days. It was reported by 
some stragglers who came in from the command that Captain 
Buel had been killed, but this fortunately proved not to be the 
case. 

May 31st, we had a pleasant visit from Lieutenant Benton of 
Company A, who has been North on leave. He has been attached 



02 HISTORY OF THE 

to the staff of General Benton for a long time. Lieutenant Ben- 
ton is a very popular } r oung man with his company and the regi- 
ment, and all enjoyed his week's visit. 

June 3d, Captain Ellsworth came in from a scout, bringing in 
as prisoners, one captain, one lieutenant, and four privates, which 
he captured after a bloodless encounter in a cotton gin, as he had 
been informed by a negro (nearly always our friend) that they 
were concealed. Many troops have been sent from this section 
below towards Vicksburg to reinforce General Grant in his opera- 
tions there. * 

June 3d, the Forty-eighth Illinois Infantry, the last infantry 
regiment, left leaving only the Third and Ninth Blinois Cavalry. 

June 6th, this being the anniversary of the capture of Memphis, 
they had a big celebration. Governor Yates of Illinois was 
there. "Our Dick'' as the boys affectionately called him is 
known and loved by all Western soldiers, and w r as well entitled to 
the name of " War Governor " by his patriotic words and works 
in behalf of the many valiant soldiers who had joined the Union 
army to put down the unholy rebellion. They had cannon boom- 
ing, and in the evening a grand display of fireworks. The feel- 
ing, was very different than was shown one year previous, the day 
of the capture of the city, June 6, 1862. 

SENATOBIA. 

June 11th. the rebels, under General Chalmers, were reported at 
Senatobia, Miss., on the Memphis, Panola & Grenada Railroad. 
A large force of cavalry moved out to engage them. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry was under the command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Humphrey, and was to advance on the town 
from the east, while the main portion of the command, under 
Colonel Hatch, moved to the south, in order to cut off the 
retreat of the rebels. About three miles east of Senatobia the 
advanced battalion of the Ninth, under Major Gifford, became 
engaged with the enemy, and later was reinforced by the Second 
battalion, while the third battalion was supporting the two 
howitzers, which had, at this point, become engaged. The- whole 
regiment were now actively engaged in the battle, and slowly 
drove the rebel force back to the town. The enemy had at the 
first a strong position across a creek, and were well protected by 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 63 

a thin line of woods, from which place, however, our troops 
drove them by a threatened flank movement, while our boys 
gallantly and bravely inarched forward, without protection of 
any sort ; and as they stubbornly resisted our advance, a part of 
the Ninth moved by the left flank, and, under cover of a piece of 
woods on that side, opened a heavy fire on the flank, and 
threatening their rear obliged them to give way, hotly contesting 
every foot of mud. The Confederates fell back, and again took 
up a new position and line; but they could not withstand our 
fire, and we drove them into the town. We had supposed that 
Colonel Hatch with his command would head them off south of 
the town, but, for some reason, he did not reach their rear in 
time, and they made their escape. In this fight the Ninth had a 
very exposed position, yet, with a superior force and on ground of 
their own choosing, Chalmers and his men gave way, and, though 
we suffered quite severely, we inflicted more loss on the enemy. 
When the fight first began the battalion of Major Gifford for 
some time bore the brunt of the battle, but soon the second line 
came up and relieved him, and, ere long, with the aid of the 
artillery, got them started on the back track to Panola, which 
was at this time Chalmers' headquarters. 

Sometime, during the summer of 1863, the exact date I am 
unable to ascertain, there was assigned to the Ninth two more 
twelve-pound howitzers, and these guns were also placed in 
charge of Company F. 

June 20th, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, under the command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Humphrey, together with the entire Division 
to which the Regiment was then attached, while out on a ten- 
days' scout, had a hard fight on the Cold water, and then 
engaged Chalmers' forces again in Panola, Miss., drove the Con- 
federate forces across the Tallahatchee, capturing a number of 
rebels in the town, as the rebel commander had left many sick 
and wounded in the hospitals. These men our commander 
paroled, and, after burning a large flour-mil] and some factories, 
captured a large amount of arms, camp equipage, etc., and a 
printing office, in which our boys struck off flaming hand-bills, 
with the significant sentiment : " The Yankees have come, and 
Chalmers has run," posted them up conspicuously over the town, 
and then returned to camp, bringing in the plunder captured and 



64 HISTORY OF THE 

a large number of negroes, some on foot, others in carriages an< 7 
buggies, and on horses and mules ; a motley crowd, some • . 
silks, and some in tatters, but all in high spirits and happy to be 
under the protection of their deliverers. Our command also 
brought in a large drove of cattle for the Commissary. 

July 1st, 1863, two regiments of colored troops were or- 
ganized at LaGrange, Tenn., and it was thought a number of 
brave and competent men from the Ninth would accept commis- 
sions with them. Captain Knight was offered a Colonelcy in one, 
but did not accept. A few of our men did finally go into these 
organizations. 

July 6th, 1863. We received this clay the official news of the 
fall of Vicksburg, the surrender of Pemberton and thirty-one 
thousand prisoners, also the taking of six hundred prisoners at our 
old camp at Helena, Ark. All of which glorious news made the 
boys of the Ninth feel good, and caused Dan Knight to do a 
rushing business. 

It was reported at this time that heavy forces were on the 
north side of the Tallahatchee, and it was not long ere they 
received our most respectful attention. But the large force dwin- 
dled down to Richardson's guerrillas ; and they scattered before 
we could reach them. 

July 16th, a portion of the Ninth, eight companies, started 
on a scout with Major Clifford in command, at Collierville, nine 
miles east on the railroad. Four companies of the Fourth Illi- 
nois Cavalry joined us, all now being under the command of 
Colonel McCrellis, the object being to hunt up the notorious 
guerrilla, Colonel Richardson. We crossed Wolf River to the 
north, eight miles from Collierville, and then to Fisher's Point, 
and to Hickory Withe, sixteen miles, where we were informed 
we should surely find the enemy, but, alas, for human expectations, 
we found him not. 

Our command of four hundred men pushed on, and as we were 
well mounted and armed, were ready for most anything. Cap- 
tain Harper, in advance with Company I, surprised a rebel 
picket and gave chase, but as their horses were both fresh and 
licet, they disappeared in the woods, after exchanging a few shots 
with our advance guard. The total result of the expedition was 
t vvelve prisoners and a lot of horses and mules captured. On our 
return to camp, July 20th, it was found that m our absence the 




CHARLES HRfiCKETT, 

Surgeor\. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 65 

rebels had captured three of our men and five men employed on 
the railroad. Lieutenant McMahon, with a part of Company 
D, immediately started in hot pursuit and overtook a company 
of rebels about equal in number, but dared not fire for fear of 
hitting some of our men who were in their midst. The gallant 
Lieutenant then charged them, broke through their line, and re- 
captured all our men, killing one lieutenant and two privates, and 
bringing in six prisoners. The "Johnnies" had robbed their pris- 
oners of watches, mone}', etc., after they were free they politely 
requested the return of the same at the saber's point. 

July 2d, Colonel Hatch, commanding a brigade, bad a fight 
with some twenty-five hundred Confederates at Jackson, Tenn., 
with the Rebel General. Forrest. Hatch's force was only about 
eleven hundred, of which the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavahy 
formed a part, drove the enemy, after breaking through their 
lines by a saber charge, with three companies of his command. 

July 24th. Four companies of the Ninth, under Captain Black- 
burn, had a skirmish with the rebels, at Byhalia, Miss., capturing 
four prisoners ; our loss, none. 

July 20th, Lieutenant Marshall, of Company C, together with a 
Third Illinois Cavalry man,while visiting at the house of a citizen 
near our lines, was captured with their horses by a squad of seven 
guerillas. The rebels only kept them one night, and after reliev- 
ing them of horses and arms turned them loose. 

July 30th, captured two prisoners at Wolf river, and the next 
day lost two men captured on picket by the enenrv. Just < v* n. 

August 8th, Captain Buel with four companies of the Ninth 
on a scout to Robinson's Cross Roads, brought in a lot of cattle. 
One man from Company taken prisoner. 

August 13th, a part of the regiment, about four hundred 
strong under Major Burgh, marched to Collierville and there 
joined the Third and Fourth Illinois Cavalry. Colonel Wallis 
in command of the Brigade. Crossed the Tallahatchie on the 
15th, and on through Oxford, crossing the Tacona on the 16th. 
We here met the Second Iowa and Third Michigan Cavalry, 
and the Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry. Colonel Phillips, the 
senior officer, took command of the expedition at Water Valley. 

August 17th, a part of the Ninth with the two howitzers met 



(;6 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

a force of the enemy at Grenada, Miss.; the rebels disputed our 
passage over the Yallabusha, and a spirited artillery duel was kept 
up for sometime. A part of the Ninth and the Third Michigan 
crossed the river and went into town, capturing about sixty pris- 
oners, among them Major Chalmers. While the fight was going 
on the enemy became impressed that there was another force 
comino- in their rear from toward Yicksburg. They raised the 
white flao-, when our boys stopped firing, they then ran away. 
Our forces captured and destroyed a large amount of Confederate 
property, including sixty locomotives, five hundred cars, and ma- 
chinery stock buildings, and supplies to an immense amount; 
then recrossed the river, fell back about three miles, and camped 
for the night. 

After dark, on the 17th, Colonel Winslow came up in the rear 
of Grenada with three regiments of cavalry, captured a lot of 
prisoners, and a large quantity of rolling stock, that the rebs were 
running off. 

The Ninth on this expedition was under the command of 
Major Burgh, and did most excellent service. The raid had been 
exceedingly successful and brilliant in the results attained. The 
Confederate troops burned the railroad bridge over the Yalla- 
busha. 

While on this expedition Lieutenant Shattuck, of Company I, 
with a detail of eighteen men, was sent out to forage for horses 
and mules. While crossing a river he was assailed by a large force 
of Confederates, with which he had a hard fight, lost one man 
killed, and his own horse was shot. There were too many of 
them, and his only hope of escape was to scatter his men. Each 
man got behind a tree, and after a hard fight succeeded in getting 
away, and in two or three days nearly all reached camp, mostly 
on foot, their clothes pretty well torn off, and half starved. 

On the 21st the command again separated. Colonel Winslow 
going directly to Memphis, and our force (having been in Panola 
the day before) crossed the Tallahatchie, and moved back to Col- 
lierville and on to German town, arriving in camp at nine r. m., 
the 22d, having been out ten days, in that time having done some 
hard marching, a good deal of skirmishing, and assisted in the 
capture of many prisoners and the destruction of a large amount 
of Confederate railroad and other property. 



CHAPTER IX. 

March to LaGrange, Tenn. — Organization of Colored Regi- 
ments — March totheColdwater and Bolivar — To Pocahon- 
tas — Dinner at Colonel Hurst's — Three Guerrillas Shot — 
Fight at Lockhart's Mill — 'Salem and Wyatt. 

AUGUST 26th, the regiment marched to La Grange, Tenn., 
forty miles east, toward Corinth on the Memphis & Charles- 
ton Railroad. The Second Iowa and the Sixth and Seventh Illi- 
nois Cavalry take our places at Germantown. We found at La 
Grange two brigades of cavalry. The Third, Ninth and Eleventh 
Illinois, and the First and Second Tennessee Cavalry, and several 
regiments of infantr}^, besides two regiments of colored troops. 
The negro seems to make a good soldier, and is very proud of his 
new position as a soldier and a man. This town is about mid-way 
between Memphis and Corinth, and is within easy communication 
with Memphis and the North. 

Captain Mock with four companies was stationed at Moscow, 
eight miles distant. 

September 4th; the regiment received four months' pay, which 
was very acceptable. Company D was detailed as courier guard to 
General Sweeney, who was in command of the troops here. Colonel 
Rice commanded the Post. The latter, a dapper little man, was 
slightly gray, with keen, piercing eyes, decidedly " military." 

The 10th of September, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry started on 
a four days' scout via Mount Pleasant and at the Coldwater, 
thirty miles from La Grange, met a large force of our cavalry 
under the command of Colonel Hatch. The command was made 
up of the Second Iowa, Third, Fourth, Sixth and Seventh and 
Eleventh Illinois, and the Seventh Tennessee Cavalry ; but as there 
was apparently no thing for us to do, we marched back via Holly 
Springs, while Hatch's Cavalry marched back to Memphis the 
same way they came. 

67 



68 HISTORY OF THE 

The Ninth only remained in camp one day, when they were 
again ordered out on the scout with the Third and Eleventh Illi- 
nois, and the Sixth and Seventh Tennessee Cavalry, all under the 
command of Lieutenent-Colonel Breckinridge to Grand Junction. 
Moved out to Bolivar and on to Tombs Station and Montezuma, 
then to Pocahontas, and camped for dinner at Colonel Hurst's 
plantation. Captured a number of prisoners. 

The Sixth Tennessee Cavalry boys shot three guerrillas. We 
arrived in camp at La Grange on the 17th. On the same day, 
Major Burgh started for Springfield on regimental business. 

The same day two Company C boys, while out on aside road 
getting their dinner, w T ere met by three mounted rebels with guns, 
which they were proceeding to raise, when our fellows quickly 
drew their revolvers and ordered them to " surrender," which 
they did, and our two brave comrades brought the three in with 
their arms and horses as prisoners. So much for being prompt in 
action. 

October 4th, the Ninth and Third Illinois and Sixth Tennessee 
Cavalry started on a scout to the Cold water, and at Lockhart's 
Mill on the 6th had a brush with the enemy. Colonel McCrellis 
was in command of our forces. We took two Lieutenants pris- 
oners, and having learned from a citizen that the Confederates 
were in large force at or near Holly Springs, it was thought best 
to return. Just as we crossed the Cold water, the rebs drove in 
our pickets, and the skirmish was, for a while, very hot. We 
threw shells among them lively, but as their force was supposed 
to be large, Colonel McCrellis, thinking that they might try to 
get in his rear by crossing below, fell back to Mount Pleasant, and 
from there moved back to camp. 

SALEM. 

Oct. 7, the command started from LaGrange again, this time 
with three days' rations, marched to Grand Junction and twelve 
miles toward Salem. The command comprised the Third, Seventh, 
Ninth Illinois and Sixth Tennessee Cavalry, Colonel McCrellis com- 
manding the Brigade. 

On the 8th the Sixth Tennessee Cavalry, in the advance, struck 
the rebels at 10 a. m., three miles from Salem, and drove them 
tli rough town without much trouble. Here it was ascertained 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 69 

that the Hebel General Chalmers was not far away with a con- 
siderable force. Our whole command now halted to feed on the 
north side of the town, and were joined by the Ninth Illinois 
Mounted Infantry, Colonel Jesse Phillips, and two pieces of artil- 
lery. We had not finished our dinner when the rebels uncere- 
moniously drove in our pickets, and advanced upon us in battle 
array. The Federal troops took position on a ridge about half a 
mile northeast of Salem; the rebs approached from the north 
and the fight began again between one and two o'clock, and 
from that time until nearly night the battle raged with consider- 
able fierceness, some of the time at close quarters. Our artillery 
doing good service and the rebels apparently about as well sup- 
plied with guns as we were. Finally our ammunition for the 
howitzers gave out or nearly so, and as night was coming on, the 
battle ceased. In this fight the Ninth Illinois Cavalry had three 
men wounded, the Sixth Tennessee the same, and the Ninth Illi- 
nois Mounted Infantry suffered the most, as they were dismount- 
ed and in the front the most of the time. It was said that Col- 
onel McCrellis was not in condition to command, as he ordered 
some of the troops ten miles in the wrong direction. The rebels 
were under General Chalmers, and numbered about five thousand 
men, while we were only about fifteen hundred. 

WYATT. 

October 11th, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Captain 
Perkins, with the Third Illinois and Sixth Tennessee Cavalry, com- 
prising a force of about three thousand Cavalry, under the command 
of Colonel Edward Hatch, left La Grange, Tenn., and marched by 
Salem, Miss., where it was expected we should meet the enemy 
in force, but they disappeared before our arrival. The citi- 
zens reported the rebel command to be marching toward Gren- 
ada. The command then moved toward Holly Springs, distant 
about twenty-five miles, and at 11 o'clock a. m., we heard heavy 
cannonading, but could not determine where it was. Camped for 
the night near Holly Springs, Miss. Monday, the 12th,- the com 
niand separated, scouring the country, and at one o'clock again 
heard heavy firing, about twenty miles distant. We pressed for- 
ward but did not arrive in time to participate in the fight. A bri- 
gade under Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips, of the Ninth Illinois 



70 HISTORY OF THE 

Mounted Infantry overtook the enemy at Byhalia, and after a 
sharp fight, in which we lost four men killed and nine wounded, 
the rebels retreated. The next day the command all joined again, 
following as rapidly as possible after the rebels — skirmishing with 
their rear guard all day. 

At Wyatt our advance found them strongly posted, and at 
last ready to give battle. The Third Michigan and Fifth Kansas 
Cavalry and the Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry were in the ad- 
vance. The rebels moved their trains and all their horses over 
the river, and then came back dismounted to meet us. The ad- 
vanced brigade made repeated attacks, but were not able to dis- 
lodge the enemy. Now was our time. Colonel Hatch's Brigade 
was ordered to the front with our battery. We went in for a 
distance of two miles on the run. Our skirmishers were put out, 
the howitzers posted, and the firing grew hot. An effort was 
made to dislodge them from the town. We fought them for five 
hours, shelling the houses, and finally drove them over the river. 
The most of this time it wa§ raining, and for about twenty minutes 
the hail came down in chunks, cutting our hands and face, and 
with so much force as to make the horses wild and almost un- 
manageable. The latter part of the fight was carried on by the 
flash of the guns. In this affair we again lost four men killed 
and twenty wounded. The next morning we found fifteen dead 
rebels and learned that they carried off the field quite a number. 
The Confederates numbered 4,000, and were commanded by Gen- 
eral Chalmers. While we were keeping this command bus}^ here, 
another force of rebels was in the vicinity of the Memphis & 
Charleston Railway, and the cannonading we heard the second 
day out was the fight at Collierville, where they were being driven 
off and defeated the second time. The rebels were in hopes they 
would be able to destroy the railroad and thus prevent the pas- 
sage of troops to reinforce General Rosecrans. At Collierville, 
had they been successful, it is possible, they might have captured 
General Sherman and his staff, who were on the cars passing 
through about that time. 

In this affair the Ninth behaved with great gallantry, and re- 
ceived a hearty commendation from Colonel Hatch and the offi- 
cers of the expedition. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 71 

WYATT. 

BY W. M. OKTON, SERGEANT OF COMPANY I, NINTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

October 13, 1863. We arrived on the field at 3 o'clock p. m., and took position 
on the right, with our battery in the center. The rebels in our immediate front 
were located in log houses and gullies. One log house a little to our right center 
was filled with the sharp-shooters of our enemy, who made it uncomfortable for 
us. Our battery was ordered to shell it, and threw a dozen or so shots. Directly 
after this a Company of the Ninth Illinois Mounted Infantry (and by the way one 
of the best regiments the State ever produced) was ordered by Lieutenant-Colonel 
Phillips to charge it and capture the rebels within. They did charge gallantly to 
the yard, but could not hold their position; retreated, leaving six or seven dead 
and wounded. The battery of the Ninth was again ordered to shell the house and 
drive the rebels out. During all this time it was raining, and was now dark. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips called upon the Ninth Illinois Cavalry to furnish a 
company of skirmishers. Captain Harper, with Company I, was selected. 
Sergeant Orton, in charge of the skirmish linp, was ordered to advance upon the 
enemy. It was now so dark that the flash of the enemy's guns was the only 
means of locating them. We first advanced upon the log house and captured it. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips then said, "Damn it boys, now for the ferry." Colonel 
Phillips and Captain Harper rode just in the rear of the line all the way down. 
We captured some of the enemy and were fighting all the way. At the ferry we 
found the rebels tearing up the pontoon bridge they had thrown across the 
Tallahatchee. We fired upon them with our repeating rifles, and they scattered 
in all directions, many jumping into the water, leaving their arms behind. After 
holding the ferry about an hour, we were relieved, and fell back about half a mile 
to camp. Early in the morning we went over the field on which a great many of 
the enemy's dead were lying, to a log house, and our attention was called by the 
lady of the house to an unexploded shell lying between the husk mattress and 
feather bed, which lodged there during the shelling the night before, while she 
and her three children were lying there. Among those from Company I were 
the following: Mathew Gorman, H. M. Jenner, Wm. J. Teas, O. A. Abbott, 
Henry Sweet, Isaiah Sweet, Robert Ferguson, Jesse Hawes, Ned Lander, Eugene 
Hubbell, James Rosecrans, Dudley Strong, J. M. Thomas, J. W. Tibbitts, 
Allison Wright, Smith Wixon, Joe Reed, Joe Fox, Tom Rasor, Wm. M. Orton, 
and some others I am not able to recall. I will further say that the whole Regi- 
ment was engaged, and did noble and gallant fighting that day. 

An incident in which the members of the above mentioned 
Company took part this same evening is worthy of mention. 
After the Ninth Infantry had been repulsed, Colonel Hatch called 
for a special detail to develop the position of the enemy, and ten 
men from this same advance skirmish line reported to him under 
Sergeant Milton Orton. Colonel Hatch told the Sergeant to move 
forward over the same ground where the others had been driven 
back. The Sergeant surprised, asked the Colonel " If he had heard 



72 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALEY VOLUNTEERS. 

right,'" and musingly inquired, " Will any come back alive." The 
reply was: "Perhaps not, I wish to draw their fire and develop 
their strength before making- another charge. It is better to 
sacrifice ten men than a thousand." The resolute Sergeant and 
his little band then moved forward, and ascending a small hill, 
drew upon themselves the fire of the enemy. As they approached, 
they plainly heard them talking, and when their steps were heard 
the rebel officer said : " Here they come ; remember, boys, fire low r 
and then fall back." The order "fire" had not been given long 
before all the ten men composing the brave squad were digging 
their noses in the soft mud in an eager attempt to flatten their 
persons to as small a level as possible. The volley came, but none 
were injured. The plucky Sergeant and his men escaped un- 
harmed. 



CHAPTER X. 

Corinth — Sad Fate of Colonel Rogers — Back to Collierville 
— Raid for Horses — Saulsbury — Battle of Moscow — Col- 
onel Hatch Wounded — Letter of Major Pierce — Horses 
Stolen from Camp. 

CORINTH. 

1VTOVEMBERS, 1863. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry marched to 
1 \l Corinth, Miss. The order for removal came Friday night 
at one o'clock ; at daybreak the regiment was in the saddle, and 
ready for the march. Arriving at Corinth Saturday evening, we 
took possession of the barracks, formerly occupied by the Third 
Iowa Infantry — very comfortable quarters, where we soon pro- 
ceeded to make ourselves at home. The ground was dry, and 
the surroundings pleasant, the indications pointing to the conclu- 
sion that this would be '"Headquarters" for the regiment all 
winter. Seven companies were detached. One battalion was 
sent to Middleton, and another to Chewalla, both towns on the 
Memphis & Charleston Railway, between Corinth and La Grange. 

This was the first time our Regiment had seen this now fa- 
mous town of Corinth, a place' of about 2,000 inhabitants before 
the war, and at this time much devastated by the two armies, 
who had each done a part towards the town's destruction. 

Fort Robinette, situated not far from the -town, was a strong 
position, and the works very extensive and well planned. 

October 4, 1863. The rebels made an attack on this place, 
but were repulsed with heavy loss. 

Here we found the grave of the ill-fated Colonel Rogers. 
This man Rogers had been formerly a captain in the United 
States Army, and at the breaking out of the war, he de- 
serted the old flag, and was made a Colonel in the Con- 
federate army. At the storming of Fort Robinette, he was 
conspicuous as a brave and gallant officer. He led his regi- 
ment to the fort. They charged and scaled the walls, Colonel 

73 



74 HISTOKY OF THE 

Rogers being the first man to mount them. When there he, for 
the first time, became aware of the presence in the fort of his old 
company, A. " God ! there is the First Regulars," was the ex- 
clamation that burst from his lips. His old company drove him 
and the rebels back, he was shot dead within thirty feet of the 
wall. His unhonored grave is where he fell with a stake only to 
mark his resting place, and no inscription. Near by is a large 
grave where thirty rebels who fell around him are buried. This 
is but one of the many sad incidents of the war. 

November 8, Major Burgh returned from Illinois and re- 
sumed command of the regiment. 

COLLIERVILLE. 

November 22d, Saturday, the Ninth again received marching 
orders, and the Sunday following returned to Collierville, recently 
the scene of two attacks by the Confederates, and also of their 
signal defeat each time. 

We are now in the Second Brigade, composed of the Second 
Iowa, the Sixth, Seventh, and Ninth Illinois Cavalry Regiments, 
under the command of Colonel Edward Hatch, said to be (that 
which he afterward proved himself) one of the best cavalry 
officers in the service. Our camp, one mile from town, was at first 
in tents, but it was not long before our men had made themselves 
much more comfortable by putting up log cabins and shanties, the 
material of which was gathered from the old buildings in the 
vicinity, that had been deserted by 'the owners. 

November 26th, the Brigade commanded by Colonel Hatch 
composed of the Sixth and Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with artillery 
and ten days' rations, marched northwest into West Tennessee 
and to the vicinity of Covington, all the time picking up horses 
and mules. This was a very rich section of the country, and had 
not been devastated b\ T the ravages of war. Crossed the Memphis 
& Ohio Railroad on the 27th, and back on the 29th. In this 
trip the boys fared well in the way of chickens, turkeys, sweet 
potatoes, fruit, etc., and as the soldiers took only the best, more 
was wasted than eaten. 

Returned through Summerville December 1st, bringing in a 
large number (about two hundred) horses and mules, some of the 
horses very fine animals. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 75 

During the trip the command camped one night at the fine 
plantation of Colonel Mosby, who had just butchered almost 
twenty fine hogs. The Colonel treated the officers very hand- 
somely, and requested his self-invited guests to view his fine array 
of fresh pork. But alas, upon reaching the smoke house he 
found, with surprise, that it had all disappeared, and the Yankee 
soldiers were enjoying a feast in their camps. 

SAULSBURY. 

It was reported that there was a large force of rebels at 
Ripley, on the 2nd of December. The Brigade moved out, 
marched as far as Middleton, and when about two miles on the 
Ripley road, camped for the night. Here Colonel Hatch received 
a dispatch that the rebels had been in Saulsbury, and burned the 
town and torn up the railroad track. Then the command moved 
back to Saulsbury, the Second Tennessee in the advance, the 
Ninth next, and the Sixth and Seventh in the rear. The advance 
command skirmished with the rebel pickets before daylight on 
the 3d, and drove them several miles, when the fight began in 
earnest. The Ninth were then ordered to the front, and our 
howitzers planted on a high ridge in the center of the line, and 
began to shell the rebels on an opposite hill, companies A, C and 
E supporting our battery. The enemy then brought up one of 
their heavy guns, and returned our fire with so much effect that 
our batter}^ was withdrawn, and the rebels fell back from the 
main road, and our command withdrew to LaGrange. We had 
one man wounded, and captured six prisoners. 

On the morning of December 4th, Colonel Hatch sent Captain 
Mock with a battalion of the Ninth, at daylight, to the south to 
see if the rebels were in that direction. Crossing Wolf River, 
after moving out about five miles, it was learned there the Rebel 
General Slemmer's Brigade had camped there that night, and had 
moved out early in the morning. At this time Lieutenant Rob- 
erts was in charge of the advance guard. Another rebel column 
appearing in the east, on a road that the advance guard had al- 
ready crossed, Captain Mock recalled the advance and threw out 
skirmishers to attract the rebels, and Roberts got back, while he 
was really cut off, had the rebels only known it ; but there was a 
strip of timber between which hid the little band from view, and 



76 HISTORY OF THE 

they responded promptly to the recall. Here a lively skirmish 
took place, and couriers were dispatched back to Colonel Hatch 
at La Grange, notifying him of the presence of two bodies of 
rebels, and their movement westward, stating that the command 
Avas in danger of being cut off at the river, and asking for orders. 
The Second Iowa Cavalry was sent to reinforce Captain Mock's 
Battalion, with orders for him to return to La Grange in their 
rear. Arriving here, reported to Colonel Hatch in full what had 
been done and discovered. Before this, the main portion of 
Hatch's Brigade had been sent by Colonel Hatch, who was strong 
in his belief that the Confederate troops were marching in the 
direction of Moscow, to that place. This command was made up 
of the Sixth, Seventh, and two battalions of the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry, in command of Captain Cameron. At Moscow there 
was stationed a regiment of colored troops, probably about five 
hundred, under the command of Colonel Frank Kendrick, two 
companies being on oicket between the station and the bridge 
over Wolf River. These troops had taken up some of the 
planks of the bridge, which were replaced by the Sixth Illinois 
Cavalry, Major Whitsit commanding, which moved up to and 
over the bridge, which, with the approach, was about one hun- 
dred yards wide, closely followed by the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 
two companies of which, B and II, having crossed, and the 
remainder of the two battalions, with the howitzers near to and 
on the bridges, when the Sixth Illinois, having no advance guard 
out, or at least but a very short distance in their front, were furi- 
ously attacked by the enemy, under General S. D. Lee, who was 
advancing in line of battle in the thick woods on the south side 
of the river. The Sixth Illinois hastily dismounted and took to 
the cover of trees, so did the two companies of the Ninth, and 
their horses came tearing back, adding to the confusion of those 
of our command on the bridge. Two of the guns of our battery 
were already on the approach to the bridge, and were as soon as 
possible run back to the north side, and placed in a position to 
open fire on the enemy. Meanwhile our unfortunate comrades, 
who were over the river, were being driven back by overwhelm- 
ing numbers to the river, and our boys were struggling to pass 
over to their relief. Lieutenant Carpenter, on the bridge, was 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 77 

actively engaged in clearing a passage and opening a way for our 
boys to recross. Now the guns under the command of the brave 
Lieutenant George H. Boone made rapid discharges in the ranks 
of the enemy. Captain Cameron, with Sergeant-Major Fitzpat- 
rick, had crossed over the bridge, and the gallant Captain was 
storming up and down calling for his heroes of Company K. It 
was not long before our forces were driven back to the river, and 
all not being able to reach the bridge, the river was soon full of 
men and horses. Captain Cameron plunged in with his horse 
and swam over. Many hand-to-hand fights had taken place here. 
In the meantime our men who were not killed, wounded, or cap- 
tured had recrossed, and things were soon in better shape. It was 
then necessary to keep that river between us and the enemv, who 
had determined to cross, and made repeated attempts to charge 
over- the bridge, only to be mowed down with grape and canister 
from our howitzers, and our men with rifles and carbines, who 
were sturdily, gallantly and bravely holding the north bank of 
the river. The negro troops were actively in the fight — a part 
were at the bridge, the rest having been sent into the fort. — and 
sending an occasional shot or shell from the big gun there into 
the woods. 

Sergeant S. J. Bailey of Company Gr, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 
had charge of the wagons of the Ninth. In one was battery am- 
munition and in the other cartridges for the rifles and carbines. 
He had brought these two wagons in rear of our guns near the 
bridge, and with an ax chopped open the boxes of ammunition,* 
and loaded the boys who came for it, as those who had swam the 
river had damaged their own. The colored troops stood near 
the battery, and fought nobly, as indeed did every man in this 
fierce struggle. The fight had now lasted over an hour. It will be 
remembered that Captain Mock had reported to Colonel Hatch 
what he had seen in the morning ; this only confirmed the Colonel 
in his views that the enemy would strike at or near Moscow. He 
gave orders to Captain Mock's Battalion and the Second Iowa to 
follow, and started on the gallop toward Moscow, ten miles distant. 
When about half way, the firing at Moscow was heard, and Colo- 
nel Hatch put spurs to his horse and dashed ahead. Captain 
Mock, not being able to keep up with his whole command, sent 



78 HISTORY OF THE 

an escort with the Colonel, and followed as fast as possible. Colonel 
Hatch soon arrived on the scene, and dashed up to the front near the 
bridge ; he had been here but a little while, when he was severely 
wounded, receiving a shot through the right lung, and the command 
again devolved on the brave Colonel Kendrick. Soon the Second 
Iowa, in the advance, and the Battalion of the Ninth swung over the 
hill. Colonel Kendrick rode out, and, meeting Captain Mock, told 
him that Colonel Hatch had been wounded and that he (Kend- 
rick) was in command and ordered Captain Mock to dismount 
his battalion and form in line about one hundred yards east, near 
the bridge, and on the left of our line. The Second Iowa were 
also placed in position, and the whole line moved up to the river. 
These commands were armed with Colt's revolving rifles, and their 
arrival was most opportune. The last four or five miles they had 
come in on the run, and had dismounted at the station, and as they 
swung over the hill and down to the river on the double quick, 
the " Johnnies " thought the infantry had come from La Grange 
on the train, and when these new troops opened with their long 
rifles, they fell back, the Second Iowa always on hand when 
needed, and Captain Mock's Battalion did much to win the day. 
When Colonel Hatch was wounded, and as he was being lifted 
from his horse, he said, " Tell the boys never to give up that 
bridge." The fire of the enemy weakened, Sergeant Samuel 
Morrow jumped upon the bridge away out nearly to the water, 
and shouted, "Come on boys, they are running." In an instant 
«.a stream of soldiers were on the bridge, and pressing forward in 
hot pursuit after the retreating rebels. But Lee's forces had re- 
ceived enough, and pulled out for good. In the fight our forces 
were under the command of the gallant Colonel Kendrick, except 
perhaps, a few moments after the arrival of Colonel Hatch and 
before he was wounded ; and that they were well handled is am- 
ply proved by the result. The whole command fought with the 
greatest sturdiness and bravery, and considering the ambush of 
the Sixth in the first of the engagement, and their vastly superior 
members, it is a wonder that we drove them off. Soon after the 
fight commenced, the gallant Sergeant-Major Fitzpatrick, having 
crossed with Captain Cameron, and dismounted, was driven back 
to the river with Chief-Bugler Henry Hazel, and as their only 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 79 

possible chance of escape was in crossing the river, and though 
dragged down by their heavy boots, arms and clothing, they made a 
brave effort to swim the stream. The rebels were close upon them 
when they jumped in, and soon began firing upon them in the water. 
Bugler Hazel was shot through the heart, and the brave Sergeant- 
Major received a severe wound in the head. Instantly all became 
dark to him; it seemed that he must die, but just at this moment 
hearing Lieutenant Boone shouting his orders from the north side 
of the river, he gave a lunge toward his friends. As he landed a 
volley of bullets from the rebels fairly spattered him with mud, 
but none struck him. Crawling up to and under the bridge he 
was soon discovered by the brave Lieutenant Hillier, who ordered 
a file of his men to fire on the rebs across the river, while he went 
down and brought his blinded comrade to a place of safety. It 
was thought his wound was mortal, but by skillful suro-erv his 
life was saved. Our total loss was ten killed, thirty wounded and 
forty-tw T o missing, while the Confederate loss was about seventy 
killed. Strange to say, the most of the horses of the Sixth ami 
Ninth that were over the river had huddled together durino- the 
battle, and were nearly all recovered. The rebel forces numbered 
between four and five thousand, and were under Generals Lee 
Chalmers and Faulkner, while our army, including the neoroes 
was less than two thousand. 

MOSCOW. 

BY P. V. FITZPATRICK, SERGEANT-MAJOR. 

It is now nearly twenty-four years since the affair at Moscow, Tenn. I have 
lived a busy life since then, having many things to think about concerning busi- 
ness and other matters, requiring close attention and application. However, my 
thoughts do wander back occasionally to that, to me, eventful day. My recol- 
lections of the fight at the long bridge crossing Wolf river at Moscow, are about 
as follows: On the morning of the 4th of December, 1863, as the Ninth Illi- 
nois Cavalry Volunteers were about to leave Summerville, Tenn., Lieutenant- 
Colonel Harry B. Burgh, commanding, ordered me, as Sergeant-Major, to detail 
the senior Captain to take command of the Regiment temporarily, as he, Colonel 
Burgh, was unwell, but thought he would be able to resume the command in a 
short while. I reported to Captain Charles S. Cameron, of Company K, the then 
Senior Officer present for duty, who assumed the command in compliance with 
the order of Colonel Burgh. The regiment moved on south to La Grange, Tenn., 
halting, I think, a short while there, and then moved west toward Moscow, ar- 
riving at the latter place about 2 o'clock p. m. There appeared to be some little 
delay in crossing the river, of which the men took advantage to feed their horses 



80 HISTORY OF THE 

and themselves. While waiting, I noticed that there was a small earthwork fort 
in the place garrisoned by a colored regiment of infantry, who appeared to be 
entirely unconscious that a large force of the enemy under General Lee was in 
their near neighborhood across the river. They were playing about their camp in 
apparent security, but on the sound of the first few shots fired, I noticed they 
scurried to secure their arms. The command being again ready to move, the 
regiment in advance of the Ninth, which was, I believe, the Sixth Illinois Cav- 
alry, had crossed the bridge, and the Ninth was close up on the approach to the 
bridge, when a few shots were fired on the advance, followed by a volley. Cap- 
tain Cameron, who was riding at the head of the Ninth, gave the order " for- 
ward," and ordered me when across the bridge to have every fourth man hold 
horses, and the remainder to dismount and form line to fight on foot, and to have 
the horses led off to the left, out of the way, for security. In compliance with this 
order, the two leading companies dismounted, or partially so, when the enemy be- 
gan to fire rapidly, and disclosed a large force greater than we had any idea of. 
It was soon decided that General Lee with his entire command, upward of five 
thousand, were in our front. Our troops began to fall back on the Ninth, thereby 
creating confusion, and preventing the third company of our Regiment, which 
happened to be Company F, with its battery of four twelve-pound mounted 
howitzers, from crossing. 

About this time my pony had both of his forward legs broken by shot, poor 
little fellow. How pitiful he looked as I dismounted to leave him. I borrowed 
that pony from Quartermaster Angle, and promised to restore him on my return 
to camp. I hope the good Quartermaster will take the intent for the deed, for 
really I had to part with several other things attached to my saddle. Being dis- 
mounted, I went toward the bridge to see how things went on there. Adjutant 
J. H. Carpenter was on the bridge trying to prevent the men from retreating on 
the bridge, on which was Lieutenant George H. Boone with Company F, with 
his battery, who desired to turn round and bring his guns back to a place of 
safety, and to place them into position for use. There was great confusion on 
the bridge. Men and horses were greatly mixed. Lieutenant Boone, who is on 
ordinary occasions a quiet, easy-going man, now that his battery was 
in danger, as he thought, was quite ferocious, saying that he would shoot 
any man making the attempt to cross that bridge until he got his battery out of 
the way, and I believe he would have done as he said he would. I am sure he 
made Lieutenant Westbrooke jump his horse off the bridge to the ground, a dis- 
tance that appeared to me twelve or fifteen feet. About the time that Lieutenant 
Boone had placed the battery in safety, the enemy began to close in on our troops, 
who were falling back rapidly, so that the jam on the bridge was very great. 
The planks of the structure got loose and fell into the river, men and horses fol- 
lowing; soon the waters under the bridge were covered with planks, men and 
horses in great confusion. The fire from the enemy getting closer and hotter, I 
felt decidedly the opposite of Peter on the mountain; "It was good not to be 
here," so I went back to where the horses were, where I was soon joined by Chief- 
Bugler Hazel; on looking about me I saw that the enemy was coming quite close 
to the river along our entire front. Orderly James Fahey threw himself into the 
ri ver, and swam safely back, soon after followed by some others on horseback 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 81 

Captain Cameron being the last to swim back with his horse, who on arriving on 
the opposite bank loudly called for his " heroes," meaning his own company, 
K. Hazel and I began to get uneasy, as the the enemy was drawing close to 
us, but I remember telling him that in a short time our troops would re-form and 
cross the bridge again and drive the enemy back, and that it would turn out all 
right, as our fellows would never give up the game. During this time the bullets 
were thrown about rather freely and carelessly, and the enemy kept moving toward 
the Sixth Illinois, driving them back on the bridge. I noticed an officer of the 
regiment named limping toward me, and I went to help him. He stated that he 
was shot in the leg and believed the limb was shattered. He had a Spencer car- 
bine in his hand, which I took and began to lead him toward the river, when the 
enemy gave a yell and made a charge, completely driving the remainder of our 
troops back to and into the river, and those that could get over the bridge did so, 
some falling through the timbers into the water beneath in the rush and confusion. 
The horses began to stampede and were left to care for themselves; the men 
scattered and got over the river by swimming, or hid in the bushes. I told my 
wounded friend to lie down flat on the ground and the enemy would think he 
was dead, and perhaps pass him, as, if we continued, both of us would surely be 
captured or shot. I took his Spencer carbine with me back to where Hazel was 
standing on the bank of the river, and told him that we must get out of there, as 
Lieutenant Boone would soon get his battery in position, and would no doubt open 
with grape and cannister; besides our troops would form for battle on the oppo- 
site bank of the river, and that we would then be placed between the fire of 
friends and enemies, which would be sure death to us. The poor fellow then told 
me that he could not swim a stroke. I then went to the bank of the river to see 
if there were any place where we could shelter ourselves from the expected storm 
of lead and iron which was sure to come. No possible shelter was to be obtained; 
on the contrary, the enemy made his appearance on the river bank on our right 
and within easy shooting range. I told Hazel the only course left to him was to 
lie flat on the ground arid take his chances; as for me, I would try and swim 
across, as I preferred to take the risk of being shot to going to Andersonville. 
So I said " good bye, old fellow, take care of yourself." I took a hurried glance 
about me, only to see the enemy very close indeed. I threw my Spencer carbine 
that I still held into the river, and made a plunge, intending to force myself as 
far as possible out into the river, and swim the remainder of the distance, which 
I thought I could do. I went into the water with my clothing, saber, revolver, 
belt, heavy boots, and everything that I had when I dismounted from my horse. 
I had no sooner touched the water when I heard a splash back of me and some- 
thing grasped me by the right shoulder; turning my head I saw that it was Hazel. 
Poor fellow, the temptation to escape, together with the nervous strain, incident 
to what he had seen, was more than he could calmly bear. He forgot that he 
could not swim, and, seeing me make the plunge, he instantly followed, and being 
much stouter and stronger than I, the force of his plunge carried him up to me 
in time to grasp me as he did. The added weight of Hazel's body on my 
shoulder stood me up straight in the water. I managed to keep afloat by paddling 
with my hands; with my left hand I managed to unhook my saber and let it drop, 
which gave me more freedom, besides relieving me of so much dead weight, but 
my clothing and also Hazel's was becoming saturated with the water of Wolf 



82 HISTORY OF THE 

River, and after struggling a little while, we both went down under the water. 
Corning up again I made desperate efforts with hands and leet to keep afloat, and 
after vainly trying to grasp anything to aid me from again going down, not even 
a straw came within reach, so down we both went. Thoughts come rapidly to 
persons in danger such as ours; I know they did to me. I was young, and did not 
want to die then, but how to save myself, as long as a strong, powerful man held 
me in a death grip. True, he was a friend, but could he, if he would, let go on 
that score ? 

I had often read of somewhat like cases, and all went to prove that a drown- 
ing person will cling to whatever he happens to hold, even after death. All 
these thoughts passed rapidly in my mind. My conclusions were that my time 
had come. I thought over my past life. I had done no human being wrong that 
I knew of, and certainly there were none to mourn for me, but somehow I did 
not want to die, so on coming to the surface I opened my mouth to tell Hazel to 
let go, as it would do him no good and was sure to drown both of us if he held on 
to me. My mouth filled with water, and being nearly suffocated I could not 
speak, but made a motion with my shoulder to which he was clinging, when, 
Heaven be thanked, I found myself free and managed, with renewed efforts of 
my now nearly exhausted energies, to remain afloat and elevate my head suffi- 
ciently out of the water to fill my lungs with the life-giving air. I looked carefully 
about me to see what had become of Hazel. He was gone; I never saw him again. 
I was told afterward that his remains were found next day in the river, shot 
through the heart. Poor fellow, I suppose that upon rising from our second 
immersion, in frantic efforts to remain on the surface of the water that he may 
have exposed his body sufficiently to the enemy who were on the banks of the 
river a little down the stream, and was shot. On gaining a little strength I 
began to take observation of my surroundings. I found myself under the bridge 
and drifting with the current, which would soon bring me, if I could keep afloat, 
close down to the enemy who were on the bank lower down; fortunately, a dead 
horse drifted toward me, which I grasped it by the tail and raised my head more 
out of the water to rest before starting out for the opposite side on which were 
our own troops. As I was about to let go and strike out I felt a sharp shot in 
the head and the sensation of a hot, sharp instrument sunk under my scalp for 
about three inches, and then blank darkness followed . I knew I was wounded 
in the head and had lost my sight in consequence, but fortunately, I retained my 
reason and knew the direction I wanted to go and struck out for the shore, which 
I reached, and threw myself flat on my face. The bullets throwing the mud 
over me as I lay, they must have fired several shots at me after my leaving the 
water, and ceased on seeing me lie at full length on the bank, believing me to be 
dead. While lying under the bridge where I landed, I could hear my friend, 
Lieutenant Boone, getting his battery of howitzers into position. Pretty soon 
the guns began to talk. Grape shot must have traveled over that bridge in rapid 
succession. What did I care that chunks of dirt and splinters fell down on me. 
No music that I have ever heard sounded so sweetly to me as did the short, sharp 
bark of those howitzers, and having gotten them working to suit him, Boone 
began to warm to his work as the guns began to get hot from the rapid firing. 
I can imagine I hear him now telling the gunners " to give it to them," to "let 
them have it," etc., and I am sorry to have to record it, but, if my memory is not 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 83 

at fault, I think he swore like a trooper, but it might have been the spiteful hiss- 
ing of iron grape as it went on its mission of death. 

Boone should have been promoted for that day's work. I lay under the 
bridge until I began to grow numb with the cold, it being the 4th of December, 
and I in the water so long, besides the loss of blood, I felt quite weak. I crawled 
from under the bridge by feeling my way, being directed by the sound of the 
guns. I managed to get on the sloping side of the bridge approaches, where I 
rested. Soon somebody spoke to me, and asked me if I was much hurt. I asked 
him where he was; he said he was back of the stump close by me. I then told 
him that I was shot in the head, and that I had lost my sight, and asked him to 
lead me back to the rear. He replied that the rebs were on the opposite bank, and 
that if he left where he was that he would surely be killed, and for me to remain 
where I was until the rebs were driven back, so there I had to lay. I remained 
cmiet for some time listening to Company F's battery, until I felt myself getting 
stiff and sore and that I was about to die. I could feel my limbs straightening 
out, a drowsy unconsciousness coming over me, and to lose interest in my sur- 
roundings, when I was made aware that someone was talking to me. Lieutenant 
David Hillier, of Company A, with some men of his troops, happened to come that 
way, and, seeing me, stopped. He asked me if I was hurt. I replied that I was 
shot and had lost my sight, and how I had asked the chap back of the stump 
to lead me back and what he had said. I am not sure, but I thought that I heard 
somebody being kicked and punched, and I think it was that chap back of the 
stump, and that Dave Hillier had done the kicking and punching. Dave said he 
would lead me back. I said that I did not think that I could walk. He then 
said that he would carry me. I told him then that I was about gone, anyhow, and 
that he would only risk his own life, and do no good; he said he didn't care a 

d , that he would not leave me there, and he then told, I think, Sergeant 

Crawford to form line in front to keep the rebs in place and he would take me 
on his back and carry me to the rear, and that the Sergeant was to fall back as 
we moved to the rear. So brave, big-hearted Dave Hillier carried me on his back 
to the rear, where the ambulance was waiting; as I was being put into the ambu- 
lance I heard that Colonel Hatch was shot. The ambulance conveyed me to the 
local hospital of the colored regiment stationed at Moscow, where I was undressed 
and wrapped up in blankets. Assistant-Surgeon Stacy Hemenway probed for 
the ball, which he found divided into two parts; one part had remained where it 
had struck the skull, the other part had traversed about three inches of my head 
under the scalp, both of which he removed. One half I had in my possession for 
several years and finally lost it; the other half , with a part of my skull, is still in the 
possession of my comrade, Fred. C. Feigel. After a stay of three or four days 
in the hospital of Moscow, I was removed to our regimental hospital at Collier- 
ville, Tenn., where Surgeon George B. Christy performed the operation which 
saved my life. He removed a part of the skull which pressed on the brain. 
Frank Halladay was then hospital steward and administered the chloroform. 
Chaplain G. F. Brayton and F. C. Feigel were present during the operation, 
which was both painful and bloody. However, through the kind nursing I 
received, I was able to travel, and received a furlough from Lieutenant-Colonel 
H. B. Burgh from the 30th day of January to the 18th of March, 1864; but being 
still unable to ride on horseback at the end of my furlough, was discharged from 



84 HISTORY OF THE 

the service the 9th of April, 1864, by reason of wound received in action, by order 
Brigadier Wm. W. Orme, commanding the post at Chicago, 111. 

I have always felt, and did at the time, that our forces were surprised at 
Moscow, as General Lee evidently was prepared and we were not. "Who was to 
blame, I do not know. 

The following from A. D. Pierce, formerly Major of the Sixth 
Illinois Cavalry, will be read with interest as throwing additional 
light on certain points at issue at the battle of Moscow, Decem- 
ber 4, 1863: 

Colconda, 111., June 15, 1888. 
Comrade H. A. Hawkins. 

Dear Comrade: — Yours of 5th received several days ago, but was pre- 
vented from answering until now. 

Your first question is, " Who was in advance with our regiment at Moscow? " 
The Sixth Illinois Cavalry. 

Major Whitsit was in command of regiment, with Second Battalion in 
advance, with Captain W. D. Glass in command; Third Battalion next, with Cap- 
tain Phillips in command; First Battalion in rear of regiment, and I, as Captain, 
in command. 

Second question. "Was the battery in the bottom?" The battery was fol- 
lowing our Regiment, and when the enemy attacked our advance, it fell back, 
attempting to form a line on the right of the road. I moved up my Battalion, dis- 
mounted, formed on left of the road, ordered the battery to unlimberimmediately 
in the road, and it did effective work in that position, so much so that the road 
immediately in front was cleared of the enemy; but when I saw that they were 
flanking us on our left I ordered it with my Battalion to fall back to the river, and 
very good work was done there by Lieutenant Curtis, in command of battery, with 
one gun. I remember seeing Lieutenant Curtis ram down loads in this one gun 
with an ax handle, as the gunner had left with the rammer. Several of the 
enemy took hold of this one gun, and made an effort to turn it around on us, but 
they were driven away. My memory is quite fresh on the happenings of that 
place. 

I am going to make an effort to be at the reunion of the old Second Brigade. 

Yours sincerely, 

A. D. Pierce. 

On the 11th of December, a cold blustering night, some 
scoundrels made a good haul of horses in the camp of the 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry. That night there was a number stolen, 
among them a fine horse belonging to Lieutenant S. O. Roberts, 
one from Lieutenant E. A. Davenport, one from Commissary- 
Sergeant W. E. Walker, and several belonging to the different 
officers of the regiment. How they were run out of camp, or 
by whose hands, Avas not definitely known ; but as the thieves 
made a selection of the best horses in camp, it was strongly sus- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 85 

pected that they knew pretty well where to go for them. The 
horse stolen from the Commissary was the one presented to 
Captain Humphrey by the citizens of Geneseo on his departure 
for camp in 1861, and had been purchased by Lieutenant Daven- 
port in 1 863. No trace was ever found of them, and we had the 
mortification of knowing that in all probability some confounded 
Confederate soldiers were riding our horses. 

Sunday, December 13th, we had open-air services by our new 
Chaplain, the Reverend G. F. Brayton, who had recently come 
to us, and was much esteemed and liked by all. 



CHAPTER XI. 

Recruiting for Veteran Service — Forrest's Raid into Ten- 
nessee — Lieutenant Hillier's Brave Fight at La Fay- 
ette — Escape of Forrest — Return of Colonel Brackett 
— Captain Mock at Mount Pleasant — Preparing for the 
Great Raid. 

IN the latter part of the year 1863, the subject of enlisting 
new men, and offering special inducement to those who had 
oeen in the service tioo years and more, came up, and it was 
thought that, by proper exertion being put forth, a veteran 
regiment could be made of the old Ninth. Many of the men 
had already signified their willingness to re-enlist, and the fol- 
lowing detail was made by order of Major-General S. A. Hurlbut 
to proceed North, and recruit for the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, dated 
Memphis, Tenn., December 15, 1863 : 

Captain J. W. Harper, Company I ; Sergeant William F. Crawford, Com- 
pany A ; Sergeant Godfrey LaSalle, Company B ; Sergeant Henry Netzer, 
Company C ; Sergeant W. E. Evans, Company D ; First Sergeant Charles M. 
Haner, Company E ; Sergeant Henry E. Burbank, Company F ; First Sergeant 
Robert H. Henderson, Company G ; Sergeant James H. Murray, Company H ; 
Sergeant O. A. Abbott, Company I ; First Sergeant George C. Stanlej*, Com- 
pany K ; First Sergeant Albert Clark, Company L ; Sergeant William C. Dillon, 
Company M. 

Recruiting for the veteran service commenced, and many of 
the Ninth Illinois Cavalry were enlisted; but as only those who 
had served two years and over were eligible, only a portion of 
our boys could join them. Captain Harper, with a number of 
officers and men, were on recruiting service, and it was hoped 
and expected that the regiment would again fill up, and go in 
for the honor of another three years' service. At this time the 
arrival of Colonel Brackett was looked for. The regiment had 
been for a long time under the command of Majors Burgh and 
Gifford. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 87 

December 20, 1863, while our camp still remained at Collier- 
ville, the larger part of the regiment, under command of Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel Burgh, who, since his return from the North, had 
taken hold vigorously, and placed the regiment in excellent shape 
in the way of new arms and horses, was kept busy, either in 
detachments or in whole, and was on the war-path most of the 
time. 

During the operations of the rebel General Forrest in West 
Tennessee, in December, 1863, ten companies of the Ninth, under 
command of Lieutenant-Colonel Harry B. Burgh, co-operated 
with the forces under Generals Tuttle and Grierson in the 
vicinity of La Grange. The camp of the regiment at that time 
being located at Collierville, Tenn., Company A, and a part of 
G, about nft} r men in all, under Lieutenant Hillier, were stationed 
at La Fayette, six miles from camp, on the railroad, and the main 
part of the regiment and the howitzers were thrown out north 
of La Grange, at a cross road called New Castle. 

While our Generals were looking for Forrest to recross our 
lines at some point east of La Grange, he, quite unexpectedly, 
crossed at a point fifteen miles west, at La Fayette, with a force 
of four thousand men, December 26th. This little station was 
guarded by the above-mentioned force of fifty men. On the 
approach of Forrest's advance guard, Lieutenant Hillier, not 
knowing that he should have that General's whole command to 
contend with, made a gallant stand at the crossing of Wolf River, 
but was soon overpowered and compelled to fall back toward 
Collierville, with a loss of a number of his best men. Just as 
Lieutenant Hillier was withdrawing his command, he heard the 
whistle of the locomotive of the mail train from Corinth to 
Memphis. The train was fast approaching the station, and the 
Confederates anticipated an eas\ r capture, as the train-men knew 
nothing of the presence of the enemy, who secreted themselves 
in and behind the building used as a station, and behind the 
wood piles. Lieutenant Hillier, observing their movements, 
divined their object, and determined to make a desperate effort 
to save the train at any cost. He immediately advanced his 
command toward the station, and, although too far away to do 



00 HISTORY OF THE 

much execution, opened fire on the enemy, and kept up such a 
racket of musketry that it attracted the attention of the engineer 
of the train in time to stop and reverse his engine, and thus save 
the train from capture. Great praise was given to the gallant 
Ilillier for his daring. This little command was soon reinforced 
by a small detachment from Collierville, and steadily resisted the 
advance of the enemy. Ten hours later the main part of the 
Regiment, that had been thrown north of La Grange, was 
dispatched to La Fayette, to which point Morgan's Brigade of 
infantry had been sent via train. A small force of the enemy 
was encountered after crossing Wolf River at Moscow. Arriving 
at La Fayette late at night, the place was found in possession of 
our troops, Morgan's Brigade having disembarked from the cars 
a short time before. 

It was ascertained that Forrest, after crossing "Wolf River at 
La Fayette, had sent a portion of his army south, with about one 
thousand conscripts he had picked up in Tennessee, and a large 
number of cattle he had captured, and with the fighting force he 
proceeded toward Collierville, where he expected to form a 
junction with the Confederate forces, under Generals Chalmers 
and Lee, but these commands failed to put in an appearance. 

Forrest moved south toward morning. During the night 
the Ninth caught up with Forrest's arnvy, but, not being 
supported by Morgan's "Brigade, which, instead of following up 
our advance, w T ent into bivouac on the road-side, we had to 
content ourselves with observing the movements of the enemy 
and listening to the guns of the garrison at Collierville. The 
Ninth captured many prisoners that night, among them two 
officers of General Forrest's staff. 

December 26th. The Seventh Illinois Cavalry, under Colonel 
Prince, had a severe engagement with Forrest's command, on his 
way back to the south, from his raid in Tennessee, and by reason 
of his not being properly supported, suffered a heavy loss in killed 
and wounded, and it was only by the most stubborn resistance 
and fine manoeuvering by their commander, the gallant Colonel 
Prince, that the regiment escaped almost total annihilation. 

At this time Lieutenant McMahon, of the Ninth, with a detail 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 89 

of twelve men, was sent with dispatches from Colonel Prince, a 
distance of some thirty miles, and while stopping at a house to 
get something to eat, were suddenly set upon by a large force of 
rebels. McMahon, not being able to reach his horse, took refuge 
in a cotton house, and hid in a large bin of cotton seed, covering 
himself up with the seed. Soon the rebels were after him, and 
thinking he was concealed, began to jab around with their bay- 
onets, at the same time saying : " Come out of that, you damned 
Yankee." The plucky soldier kept still, taking his chances of 
being killed sooner than to be captured ; they struck around him, 
but finally, becoming convinced that there was no one there, left 
and inarched away. After they had gone, Lieutenant McMahon 
got out and came into camp safely. 

January 11, 18G4, the Regiment welcomed back Colonel Brack- 
ett, who had been absent a long time on detached service, and he 
was immediately placed in command of the Brigade. The mem- 
bers of the Ninth were very glad to have their old colonel back. 
On the way out from Memphis, the rebels gave him a warm re- 
ception by firing into the train and placing a torpedo on the track 
within four miles of our camp. A detachment was at once sent 
out which soon overtook the scoundrels (a small party), killed one 
and took several prisoners and horses. 

About the 20th of January, Colonel Brackett, commanding the 
Brigade, sent to our regiment for a detail of twenty men for a 
special service. Captain Mock, of Company B, selected twenty 
men who had good horses from his company, and on reporting at 
Brigade headquarters, received orders to proceed to a point on the 
Coldwater (Cochran's Mill) and find out, if possible, what rebel 
troops were in that neighborhood. The distance was about twenty 
miles b} 7 way of Mount Pleasant, and as it was nearly noon when 
he started, and the roads were very muddy, it was a hard scout 
to make in half a day. It was known that the rebels patrolled 
the road daily from the Coldwater to Mount Pleasant. The lat- 
ter place, which was fourteen miles away, was reached all right 
and here a patrolling party of rebels was struck and driven about 
one mile south, when they made a stand on the top of a hill, when 
they were again driven back to another position. Their numbers 



90 HISTORY OF THE 

increasing as they fell back, and though they made spirited efforts 
to stop the little detachment, they did not make quite the 
determined, desperate attempt to drive our force back that might 
have been expected. After driving them two and a half miles 
south of Mount Pleasant, the rebels, still falling back, took a road 
leading to the right from the main road, thinking our force would 
follow them. Their numbers had now increased to quite a good- 
sized force and Captain Mock felt if he pressed farther he would 
be cut off, especially as the ladies, while they were driving the 
rebs through Mount Pleasant, had said tauntingly, that " They 
would come running- back before long," that " Their bovs would 
soon send them back on the run." So, falling back slowly, the 
rebels did not know certainly, for awhile, whether we were fall- 
ing back or were concealed. Arriving near Mount Pleasant, the 
rebs came up and the rear guard opened on them and held them 
back, while the command moved through the town on the walk, 
and up the big hill. When the enemy came through the town 
and up the hill on a charge whooping and yelling, we moved up 
over the hill, remaining out of sight under cover of the wood, and, 
wheeling about, let the rebels come pretty close, then gave them 
a volley and started back with a whoop and a yell, took after 
them and drove them back through the town and passed the place 
where the women had taunted our boys, and asked them "Who 
was doing the running now '. " Our party then marched back and 
the rebs made another attack, but were more cautious this time, 
and were again sent back by this brave little band of Company 
B, under the gallant Captain Mock. As it was now growing 
dark, it was thought best not to give the enemy a chance to get 
in their rear or ambush them. So the command moved back in 
safety to camp. The captain and men of Company B felt pret- 
ty good that they had held the rebs in check and made them do 
the running through town. Arrived in cam]) about 9 o'clock p. m. 
and reported to Colonel Brackett. 

In the contemplated raid, the command did not take any 
wagons; a small ambulance train accompanied us, while our 
rations and ammunition was carried on a pack train of mules, 
which same train was a comical sight to see. The loads that 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 91 

would be placed on some small mule, the great bulging panniers 
with the coffee-pots, frying-pans, etc., strapped on in eveiy avail- 
able spot. These, however, though necessary, were not our fight- 
ing forces. The cavalry here organized was as fine as any that 
had ever been gathered in the West, and was made up of two 
divisions under Generals William Sooy Smith and B. H. Grier- 
son. In all, about eight thousand well-armed and mounted 
troops. All massed at Germantown, Tenn., with the view of 
joining General Sherman at Meridian, Miss., and then making an 
advance on Mobile. 



CHAPTEK XII. 

Paid to West Point — Okolona — Aberdeen — West Point — Fight 
at the Saukatauchie — Hand-to-Hand Fight — The Sixth 
Illinois Cavalry — Fierce Assault of the Rebels — Success- 
ful Ambush by the Ninth — Stampede of the Third Brigade 
and Loss of Guns — Attempt to Capture Forrest — Destruc- 
tion of Corn — Return to Germantown. 

THIS magnificent command moved South, February 11, 1864. 
Lieutenant-Colonel H. B. Burgh commanded the Ninth; 
Major D. E Coon, the Second Iowa ; the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, 
Lieutenant-Colonel M. H. Starr ; the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, 
Major H. C. Forbes ; these four regiments composing the Second 
Brigade, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel W. P. Hepburn. 

The Tallahatch.ee was crossed at New Albany, and on the 
18th Okolona was reached. From Okolona, the Ninth Illinois, 
in advance of the army, made a rapid march on Aberdeen, Miss., 
which was found occupied by Golsen's Brigade of Home Guards, 
which made but a feeble stand in defence of the beautiful little 
city. During the attack on the place, and the fight through the 
streets, we captured between forty and fifty prisoners, including 
some officers home on leave. 

Being, one day, in advance of our own army for which Ave 
had orders to wait at Aberdeen, and in close proximity to Gen- 
eral Forrest's command, great vigilence had to be observed- 
Colonel Burgh appointed Major L. D. Bishop as Provost Marshal' 
and furnished him with strong patrol guards, in addition to 
which strong picket guards were kept on all the roads leading 
into town, and small scouting parties were thrown out in the 
direction of the enemy. 

General Grierson with the balance of his command arrived 
next day. General Sooy Smith's division did not march 
through Aberdeen. General Grierson's command passed through 

92 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 93 

the city without more than halting. The Ninth Illinois was di- 
rected to continue its positions in and about the city until the 
command passed through, when it was to follow. 

While this duty was being performed, General Grierson, his 
Adjutant-General, Major Woodward, Colonel Burgh and several 
officers of the Ninth, were received and courteously entertained 
at the residence of the Mayor, Dr. Hatch, the ladies of whose 
family did the honors of the house on the occasion, with true 
grace and Southern hospitality. During the call on the Mayor's 
family, General Grierson (to please the ladies) played a few 
Southern airs on the piano, finishing with the Star Spangled 
Banner. 

From Aberdeen, the Regiment marched to West Point, cross- 
ing some broad and beautiful prairie land that reminded the boys 
of the Ninth of their own beautiful and distant Illinois. On the 
morning of the 20th, the Second Iowa, in the advance, encountered 
the enemy's advance guard, which they steadily forced back until 
noon, when the rebels appeared in force. The Second Iowa, under 
its gallant commander, Major Datus E. Coon, had been fighting- 
all the morning, and thus far had borne the brunt of the battle. 
It was now re-inforced by the Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Illinois, 
the Ninth taking position on the right of the line of battle, and 
next to the gallant Second Iowa. In this position our old Brigade 
advanced on the enemy, who was steadily forced back and across 
the Saukatauchie River. An incident occurred during this advance 
that was very exciting and of great interest. It was a hand-to- 
hand fight between a Sergeant of Company A, Ninth Illinois, and a 
rebel officer, and was witnessed by a large part of the command. 
It will be remembered that at this time, a part of the Regiment 
were armed with Colt's revolving rifles, which necessitated fight- 
ing on foot, and the other companies were armed with carbines 
and sabers, and could be fought mounted or dismounted as occa- 
sion required. On this occasion all the companies were fighting 
on foot except Company A, which was mounted and protecting 
our right flank. As Company A skirmish line approached a piece 
of timber that skirted out from the woods on our right front, a 
Confederate officer was discovered taking observations of the 
advancing Union forces. Sergeant Henry II. Castor, in charge of 



94 HISTORY OF THE 

the skirmish line, made a rapid advance and ordered him to sur- 
render. The reb immediately stuck spurs into his horse's side and 
dashed off after the retreating Confederates. Again the gallant 
Sergeant demanded his surrender. Castor was well mounted and 
gained on his enemy, and a third time ordered him to surrender 
and halt. But no thought had Mr. Reb of surrendering ; instead 
he turned in his saddle as the Sergeant neared him, and fired a 
pistol shot at his pursuer. Castor immediately returned the fire 
and with better effect, for he had his enemy on the right side and 
a little in front, shooting the plucky rebel in the mouth. The 
Confederate fell from his saddle, and the brave Sergeant captured 
the horse and regained his comrades, who had witnessed his gal- 
lant fight. 

It was then about sundown, and General Grierson concluded 
to bivouac on some favorable ground that we had passed over, so 
ordered the recall sounded, and the brigade went into bivouac. 
On falling back we came across the rebel officer who had had the 
fight with the Sergeant ; he was still alive but unconscious. His 
recent antagonist kindly carried him to a house near by, where his 
wound was carefully attended to by Surgeon George B. Christy, 
of our Regiment. Papers on the wounded officer's person showed 
him to be Major Dougherty, a Quartermaster in the Confederate 
Army. 

For some unaccountable reason a retreat was ordered for next 
day. Up to this time the expedition had been managed by Gen- 
eral Sooy Smith with great ability, and success beyond his expecta- 
tions had attended every move that he made. We had now 
almost reached the flank of Sherman's army; indeed, it was sub- 
sequently ascertained from prisoners, that we were not twenty 
miles from Colonel Winslow's Brigade of Cavalry, that accompa- 
nied Sherman's army, and which had been sent out to meet us. To 
turn back now would be to invite defeat, for the enemy, discov- 
ering our retrograde move, would concentrate all his hitherto 
scattered forces on short lines and bring a stronger force to 
cope with us on the retreat than had been opposed to us on the 
advance. In advancing Sooy Smith had threatened several points, 
and in that way caused the rebel general to scatter his forces so 
as to cover all the points threatened. To have advanced toward 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 95 

Sherman's army would have been attended with less danger than 
to retrace our steps toward Memphis. Up to this time we had 
been successful; we had driven the enemy steadily, and were now 
almost in the neighborhood of Sherman's army, with which We 
were to cooperate. To turn back now would be to invite all the 
negroes along the line of march to join us in the hopes of getting 
away from slavery and into our lines, and to be thus handicapped 
would be to invite disaster. What caused General Sooy Smith to 
change his plans, and to change success into defeat, is not known. It 
was reported that he became sick and that mentally he was not 
himself when he ordered the retreat. The retreat began on the 
morning of the 21st, and it was on the evening of that day that 
the Ninth Illinois covered itself with glory. At early morning 
the Sixth Illinois, feigning an advance, attacked the enemy's 
works at the bridge over the Saukatauchie River, and under cover 
of this attack the retreat began. Our retrograde movement was 
discovered ere long and the Sixth Illinois was forced back. The 
Sixth was reinforced b} T the Seventh Illinois, and some severe 
fighting occurred. The Seventh now took the rear and kept up 
a spirited resistance to the attacks of the enemy until overpow- 
ered by numbers, when they were relieved by the Second Iowa. 
Tlie Second took up the fight right gallantly, and under the lead- 
ership of their popular commandant, Major Datus E. Coon, fought 
bravely all the afternoon, holding the enemy in check, while Smith's 
division and the wagon trains were making slow progress over an 
extemporized corduroy road that ran through a great swamp, 
through which the command had to pass. Knowing the character 
of this swamp, the enemy made an increased effort to double up 
our rear guard and capture our supply trains. The Second Iowa, 
running out of ammunition, about this time asked to be relieved, 
and the Xinth Illinois took the rear. General Grierson, who had 
been riding at the head of the Ninth Illinois during the afternoon, 
had informed Colonel Burgh of the location of the swamp and 
directed him to hold his regiment in readiness to take the rear 
and hold the enemy in check until the trains and troops had passed 
safely through. 

It was about sundown when we relieved the Second Iowa, which 
was outnumbered, and hard pressed, and right heartily was the 



96 HISTORY OF THE 

Ninth cheered by their comrades of the Second Iowa as we moved 
toward the enemy, and allowed the Second to follow the command. 
General Grierson informed Colonel Burgh that the entire com- 
mand would be halted and formed in close columns of regiments 
on its emerging from the swamp, and that couriers would be 
despatched to let him know when the movement was com- 
pleted, but in the meantime he, General Grierson, would expect 
the Ninth Illinois to hold the enemy in check and protect the 
rear. General Grierson declared that he had held the Ninth in 
reserve all day for that occasion, and as we all know, his faith in' 
the grand old Regiment was well founded. Soon after taking 
the rear, and as the shades of evening began to thicken, Colonel 
Burgh conceived the idea of placing our rifle companies in am- 
bush dismounted, and with the other companies draw the enemy 
on to the hidden line of battle. About this time a small bridge 
was destroyed by our rear guard, the repairing of which delayed 
the enemy's advance long enough to give the companies ample 
time to take the position selected for the ambuscade. The other 
two companies formed an extended but thin line of battle in front 
of the bridge, and well in advance of the heavier and concealed 
line of battle. On repairing the bridge the enemy deployed 
and advanced on our first line, which fought stubbornly for a 
time and then gave way, passing between the intervals of the 
Xsecond line, and drawing the rebels on to certain destruction, for 
the fire from the rifles of those concealed companies was quick 
and deadly. The enemy was taken greatly by surprise,and suffered 
heavily. A second time the Confederate line of battle was ad- 
vanced, and a second time it was repulsed. The slaughter of the 
rebels was dreadful. Colonel Forrest (a brother of General For- 
rest) and thirty-seven officers and men of his brigade were killed, 
and one hundred and twenty-three were wounded during the at- 
tacks on our ambuscade. Our losses were comparatively light, 
owing to the advantage of position. During the progress of this 
fio-ht General Soov Smith, who it will be remembered was ill, be- 
came alarmed for the safety of his trains, still struggling through 
the swamp, but was assured by General Grierson that everything 
Avas safe, as the Ninth Illinois was still in the rear ; for as he said 
he knew the ring of their rifles, which was music to his ear, and 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 97 

he could tell from the sound that it was in the direction of the 
enemy. After this last charge and repulse, the rebel general 
withdrew his forces and discontinued the pursuit for the night. 
The trains and pack animals having got safely through the swamp, 
the Ninth followed and found the command on the bluffs beyond 
formed in close columns and awaiting its arrival. The march 
was then continued until about 2 a. m., when the command 
bivouacked for a few hours, and resumed the march at sunrise on 
the 22d. It is said of General Sooy Smith that, since that event- 
ful night, he has had a green spot in his memory for the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry. On the 22d, the Third Brigade took the rear in 
the vicinity of Okolona, but did not hold it long, as the rebels 
made an impetuous charge that scattered them to the four winds 
of heaven, and captured a battery of light artillery and many pris- 
oners. 

The five pieces of artillery captured by the enemy here was all 
but one piece of the battery belonging to the "Sixth Illinois Caval- 
ry, that had been turned over to McCrellis' Brigade in the emer- 
gency, and the surrender of their guns and the stampede of the 
brigade were simply disgraceful. The only redeeming feature in 
this affair was the action of the Fourth United States Cavalry, 
commanded by the- gallant Captain Bowman, who did all that 
it was possible for so small a body of troops to perform, to stay 
the rushing, demoralized tide of the other regiments of the 
Third Brigade, including now in their numbers the regiments 
composing the First Brigade, being led in their demoralized retreat 
by the Second New Jersey Cavalry; and had not the steady, old 
Second Brigade formed at the sides and given them the road, I 
verily believe they would have run over them in their haste to get 
out of harm's way, which danger just then lay in Forrest's charg- 
ing squadroons, determined to reach the stampeded troops an.d 
train in our rear. Charge after charge was made by the rebels 
to dislodge the Ninth, but the grand old Regiment held its ground 
until the scattered forces were reorganized, and were ready for 
battle. A great many men were wounded in this engagement, 
but, thanks to the breastworks, no one was killed. Many will 
remember the long hill and orchard, as the Confederate line of 
battle emerged from the wood, firing volleys Avhich were very 

7 



98 HISTORY OF THE 

effective on our lines, as we were on an elevation, and the missiles 
did not (as is usually the case) pass over our heads. The peculiar 
thud, as the bullets struck our extemporized breastworks or the 
cotton gin. and the "zit," "zit," as they whistled past our ears, 
was more suggestive of danger than music to us. 

It was later at night that someone reported to Colonel Burgh 
that the rebel General Forrest was at a house not far from the 
column, and while not really crediting the tale, Adjutant J. H. 
Carpenter was sent with a squad of soldiers to see what there was 
to it. The small party approached the house cautiously,and pretty 
soon saw what they supposed to be a lot of negroes among the 
cabins, but, when they got a little closer, found it to be a part of 
Forrest's body-guard of Confederate soldiers, who came out and 
fired a volley at Carpenter and his men. It was dark, and the 
quantity of the enemy unknown, and the outlook unfavorable for 
Federal soldiers in that particular spot, so it was thought best to 
vacate, which our boys did very promptly, leaving several dead 
horses on the ground. Captain Buel, passing at this time, saw the 
soldiers in the field, and called out: " What soldiers are you in 
there? " Someone answered, " Ninth Illinois Cavalry." Then the 
rebs fired. It was afterward ascertained that Forrest was in 
the house at this time. 

The re-organization of the stampeded troops, mixed up as they 
were with pack trains, captured horses and mules, and one thou- 
sand six hundred or more negroes, of all sizes and conditions, all 
surging and moving toward the front of our lines, was no easy 
task ; but it was accomplished, and to General B. H. Grierson 
and his able Adjutant-General, Major "Woodward, belongs the 
credit. Toward evening a new line of battle was formed by 
portions of the First and Third Brigades, when the Second 
Brigade was recalled from the rear, and the enemy allowed to 
attack the new line. The rebels made some charges, but were 
repulsed, and, darkness coming on, fighting ceased. The march 
for the Tallahatchee was now resumed, and on the 23d that river 
was crossed in the afternoon. 

At Prairie Station the Confederate Government had concen- 
trated a large amount of corn and supplies for their army. This 
was on the Mobile <Sz Mississippi Railroad, and it was of too much 




JEUTENANT EDWARD A. DAITENFDRT, 

Comrriissary, 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 99 

importance to leave for the use of the parties for whom it was 
intended: On the outward march, February 20th, at this place, 
we destroyed, by firing, a large amount of corn, cotton, and army 
supplies, in great quantities, a long train of cars also. Our forces 
did not tarry long, but, as soon as the work of destruction was 
completed or so well under way that it would be impossible to 
extinguish the flames, the command moved on again. The heat 
from the bales of cotton, and the immense piles of corn slowly 
consuming, was intense, and the smoke w«s visible for days as 
we marched away. The value of property burned here was 
upward of three million dollars. We also destroyed a quantity 
of corn at Aberdeen, and nearly one hundred arid fifty miles of 
railroad. Not unfrequently on our line of march, while the rear 
was almost constantly engaged with the enemy, we would see 
long lines of Confederate cavalry on our flanks and' moving- 
forward a mile or two parallel to our column, with the evident 
indention of gaining a position in the front. Occasionally a 
trooper would ride out well mounted from the rebel line and 
come almost v within musket-shot of our column, when some of 
our boys would take after him and chase him back. There is no 
question but th'at the rebels were much superior in numbers to 
our own, and had not the retreat been most skillfully managed, 
after General Grierson assumed^ command, and the pursuit of 
the enemy stubbornly resisted by many brave and brilliant 
maneuvers, we never could have escaped with the small loss that 
was sustained by this command, and much credit is due the 
gallant Second Brigade, and especial praise to the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry, under the gallant Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh, and the 
Second Iowa Cavalry, under the brave and determined Major 
Coon, for the heroic manner in which they beat back the rebel 
General Forrest's charging troopers. The enenrv continued 
pursuit until our command reached New Albany. Although this 
expedition failed in its main object of reaching General Sher- 
man's command, the large amount of property destroyed, ,the 
many prisoners captured, and the valuable though motley variety 
of booty brought in, consisting of horses, mules, and a large body 
of colored people, made our return quite a " triumphal march," 
and certainly added considerable glory to the well-merited repu- 

1 L.cf C. 



100 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

tation of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and all the regiments of the 
Second Brigade. The Cavalry went into camp at Germantown, 
Tenn., February 26th, after an absence of sixteen days, a part of 
the time on forced march with no rations, except what we could 
forage. Often a little corn meal mixed up with water, no salt to 
be had, and baked on a shingle by an open fire, which was called 
a " pone cake." This was quite a luxury; at other times an ear 
of corn roasted helped to stay the gnawings of an empty stomach. 
In all this time no change of clothes. It will not require much 
stretch of the imagination to say, " We were a tough-looking 
crowd." 

From Harper's Illustrated Weekly, of March 18, 186-4: " Gen- 
eral Smith's Cavalry expedition returned to Memphis, February 
26th, not having effected a junction with Sherman on account of 
delays, incident to the expedition, which gave the enemy's 
cavalry an opportunity to concentrate a considerable force 
against Smith, which it was impossible for him to meet success- 
fully. The expedition was not entirely a failure, having 
destroyed over a million bushels of corn, and torn up many miles 
of the Memphis & Ohio Railroad, besides burning many bridges 
and much trestle work. General Smith's retreat, however, leaves 
the enemy's country unoccupied and free for movement against 
Sherman." 

The first thing in order when we reached camp was some- 
thing to eat. and the boys did enjoy hard tack then as much as 
they ever did in their lives. Our tents and camp equipage in 
general had been sent to Memphis to be stored in our absence, 
and the first thing in order was to get them out to our camp. 
Captain Mock was detailed to go to Memphis for our supplies, 
and as it had rained the most of the time for three days, we were 
badly in need of them. Several days elapsed before we were 
able to get our camp into any kind of shape. Our regimental 
teams were turned over to the Quartermaster's Department 
before w r e left on this raid, and we were obliged to depend upon 
the Brigade Quartermaster to supply us in that line. March 
1st, Captain Mock returned from Memphis with our tents, etc., 
and once more the Regiment was in comparatively comfortable 
quarters. 



CHAPTER XIII. 
The West Point Expedition. 

BY STEWART G. BAILEY, SERGEANT COMPANY G, NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

• 

ON the Sooy. Smith raid, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry bore a prominent part, 
they having the proud satisfaction of having the best horses in the 
division, and by the time the command crossed the Tallahatchee River they had 
recruited nearly enough horses and mules to mount another regiment, Harry 
Gifford, of Company G, with the aid of a prisoner he had captured, and a few 
contrabands, bringing in thirty-six at one time. This was very fortunate, as some , 
of the regiments in the command, being poorly mounted, were sadly iu need of 
more horses. 

February 18. The Ninth, in the advance, about noon, went into Okolona, 
Miss., without much opposition. Here the boys, replenished their stock of 
tobacco, the find being of excellent quality and plenty. Up to this time .the 
country we had i passed through was poor, barren, and unsettled; some of the 
way dense pine woods which was on fire, the smoke being Stirling and almost un- 
bearable, but soon the country began to improve, was better settled, and supplies 
more plenty. Company E, in the advance, after sampling the Okolona stock 
of tobacco and spirits, led out on the road to Aberdeen, twenty miles southeast on 
the Tombigbee River. The boys were encountering small parties of the'enemy at 
nearly every turn of the road, immediately would give chase, and as Colonel 
Burgh gave orders to keep the Regiment well closed up, the march to Aberdeen 
was made very rapidly. When within three miles of the latter place, about 4 
p. m., the advance found the enemy in some force and reported to Colonel Burgh, 
who ordered two companies to reinforce them, which the advance observing, im- 
mediately charged the enemy, and being quickly supported, the rebels broke, and 
tied in confusion with the Ninth in hot pursuit, into and through the town of Aber- 
deen, where we captured a number of prisoners. 

We had this day traveled nearly fifty miles, and were now some fifteen miles 
iu advance of the main command, which had bivouacked, hot being able to keep 
up. It thus behooved Colonel Burgh to be very vigilant. He placed a strong 
patrol in and around the town, and camped the Regiment in a pleasant grove just 
north of the village. No doubt the rapidity of our march and the boldness of 
the attack deceived Forrest, or he would, doubtless, have made it lively for us 
before morning. This was the first time Yankee troops had entered this place, 
and, coming as we did rather unawares, it was a rich field to cultivate. 

One rather amusing case occurred. A member of the Third Michigan Cav- 
alry, whose regiment had gone home on furlough, had attached himself to Com- 
pany G, halted a negro, who was carrying a trunk, made him open it, when 

101 



102 HISTORY OF THE 

it was found to contain a lot of watches, evidently the contents of some repair 
shop. In the lot was a few pretty good watches, but the majority were old 
bulls' eyes and worthless. This soldier, having an extra pair of pants, 
tied a string around the bottom of the legs, and compelled the man to empty the 
lot into the pants, and then hand them up to him, when he rode into camp and 
distributed his find, taking promises from the men to settle after pay day. Con- 
federate money w T as plenty, and in the morning all had enough to pay liberally 
for their breakfasts, thereby making friends of the citizens. About noon the rest 
of the command came up, and all moved out west and camped near Prai- 
rie Station. The country here was very rieh and highly cultivated, largely 
devoted to the raising of corn, and the last year's crop all on hand, awaiting 
shipment to the Confederate armies. This we proceeded to destroy. On the 20th, 
the command being sent in different directions, the smoke of burning corn could 
be seen on every hand, thus marking the route of each command. We moved 
south parallel with the Mobile & Mississippi Railroad, and about 4 p. m., when 
near West Point, the enemy was encountered in considerable force, and quite a 
severe engagement took place. Night coming on, the rebels fell back of West 
Point, but were aggressive and active during the night. The prisoners, horses, 
and mules we had picked up were started to the rear with all the troops 'except 
the Second Brigade, which, early in the morning of the 21st, began a retrograde 
movement with the Second Iowa in the rear, who were early attacked in force. 
We traveled as rapidly as possible all this day, followed closely by a strong force 
of the enemy, pressing heavily on the rear guards, which were relieved frequently 
during the day, and a large force of rebel cavalry, in plain sight, about two miles 
to our right, traveled parallel with us, trying to head us off. About dark," the 
Ninth having the rear on account of some swampy country, it became necessary 
to hold the enemy in check, while the Federal command crossed this swamp. 
Colonel Burgh dismounted a part of the Regiment, sending their horses to the 
rear out of sight, forming his men on either side of the road in ambush. The 
enemy approached in a solid body, and when only a few rods distant, the Ninth's 
men rose up and gave them volley after volley in rapid succession, until our five 
shooting rifles and revolvers (ten shots to each man) were empty, which, at such 
close range, were very destructive. The rebels fled in great confusion, and did 
not molest us any more that night. We traveled on until about 4 o'clock a. m., 
and near Okolona we found the rest of the command in camp and sound 
asleep. About 8 a. m., the Second Brigade, having the advance, passed 
through Okolona, and marched northwest. All went well until about 2 p. m. 
The bugle sounded from rear to front "to halt." Soon an orderly reported that 
the rear had been attacked and routed while passing through Okolona, and we 
were ordered to let the train pass by and then come up to the rear as soon as 
possible. 

The boys had a " circus" while the train was passing, and there were about 
three thousand mules and horses and enough negroes to make about three regi- 
ments, all mounted on those mules and horses, often three or four on one niule. 
They had heard the news and could hear the firing, and were fearfully scared. 
As they passed by they begged us "for God's sake, Massa, don't let them rebs get 
us." Already could be seen the symptoms of a panic, which raged furiously 
before night. Not, however, the fault of the Ninth or the Second Brigade. After 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 103 

» ■ 
* they passed by we made our way to the rear, where we found a desperate state 
of affairs. The Federals routed and Mying in a panic, the Confederates crowding 
on rapidly flushed with an easy Victory, and, for some unaccountable reason, 'the 
pack-mule train with the ambulances parked in a large field a short distance away.' 
Never shall I forget the appearance «f the brave Captain Perkins, as I saw him 
about dark; he had been on brigade staff duty, and to the rear when the rebel 
attack was made and the rout commenced, had witnessed the loss of the guns, and 
. had been bravely trying to ralJy the demoralized troops all day; his hat was gone, 
his long blatkhair disheveled and filled with dust, tears running down his dirt- 
begrimed cheek. He was begging, swearing, and roaring like one mad, vainly 
trying to rally some of this demoralized mob. I was engaged in about the same 
manner, and when he rec ognized me, he shouted as he dashed up to me, " That's 
right, Bailey, give them hell, they are a set of cowards." All this in a minute, 
and away he went. 

The Second Brigade took position by'orderof General Grierson, dismounted, 
with the Ninth on the left, in.a stivbble-f id witljout any protection. The enemy 
came up behind a rail fence and in the imber, in good gunshot of us and opened 
"***fire' on us in a lively manner. General Grierson ordered us to take this position 
and hold it at all. hazards, until he got the train started out. The enemy soon 
lapped around the left flank of the Ninth, secreted in the heavy woods with an ■ 
old rail fence- in their front. Thus exposed to an, enfilading tire, we were com- 
pelled to fall back to a -new position, which was done in good order. Here the* 
four-gun battery of the Ninth, twelve pound howitzers, wa^kin position, and 
some cavalry mounted were formed to our right, and as the enemy advanced into 
the field, they met such a hail of shot and shelf from our line, and being charged 
by the mounted troops on the right^ tbey fell back to the timber, Where they were 
held till darkness closed the action. In view of their experience of the night 
before with the Ninth, they did not pursue. The' night being very dark, the 
troops became terribly mixed up, and for awhile there was scarcely a dozen men 
of a company together. Those who have never seen a panic in an army can have 
but little conception of it, and those who have seen one never want to s?e another. 
Evidently there were some fearful blunders nvjde early in the day. 

This trip was from the start destined to be a failure, for General Smith, contrary 
to General Sherman's express written and verbal^orders -to start ".not later than 
February 1," did not move forward until the 11th, and then seemed to have but 
little push br- energy in him. 

During the night of the 22d, order was restored, and by daylight the com- 
mand was moving out in good order, with the Second Brigade in the rear again. 
There was no great rout or panic this day, and the enemy paid dearly for their 
rashness and soon became very cautious. About 3.p. m., on arriving at The Talla- 
hatchee River, a position was selected, and as the troops came up they formed into 
line, and when the enemy approached was attached, routed, and driven several 
miles, this ending the active pursuit. The men and horses were pretty well used 
up for want of sleep, rest, and time to eat. Two days before, we had been 
reveling in a carnival of destruction of corn and fodder, now there was not an 
ear to be had. After crossing the river, the country being poor and sparsely set- 
tled, there was no prospect of recruiting -here. We traveled all that night, and 



l () -t NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

the next afternoon foragers were sent out. The command had heen divided on 
three parallel roads. We had the left, and about 4 p. m. the foragers began to 
arrive well loaded with corn, fodder, hams, bacon, and all such things that good 
foragers could find. The command halted in a pleasant spot in the woods, as 
was supposed for the night, to eat, sleep, and be happy; all were merry, and as 
the aroma of the boiling coffee and broiling ham floated in the evening air, all 
were content in anticipation of the feast before them, and the prospect of much 
needed rest. But alas ! some evil spirit disturbed the repose, and in a twinkling 
our bright anticipations were blasted. The bugle sounded "Boots and saddles," 
quickly followed by "To horse and forward." Word had come that the center 
column had been attacked and wanted help. It was a disappointment, but no 
matter how hungry or sleepy or worn out we were, our comrades were in danger — 
all was forgotten as we flew to their rescue at once. After a hard and rapid ride 
of six miles, it was ascertained that it had been more of a scare than a reality. 
Then we were mad. We had left all our good things miles to the rear— night 
was upon us. We encamped by the roadside without much formality, thoroughly 
disgusted, and fully realizing "there is many a slip betwixt cup and the lip." 
We slept soundly till the sun was high the next morning, the tired horses en- 
joying the rest equally with the men. After getting up and disposing of a 
scanty meal, we wended our way toward Memphis, where we arrived in a few 
days, thoroughly disgusted with the management of this expedition. The sick 
and wounded were sent to the hospitals. The rest mostly re-enlisted as veterans 
and went home on a much-needed and well earned furlough. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

Reorganization — Muster-in of the Veterans — Homeward Bound 
— Speech of General Benton — Arrival at Chicago — Recep- 
tion at the Soldiers' Home — Camp Fry — Back to Memphis 
— The New Supply of Horses and Arms— Guntown — Gen- 
eral Gribrson's Order. 

THE Regiment remained in camp at Germantown till March 
*» 18th, during which time a large part of the men re-enlisted as 
Veterans, and it was fully determined to make the Regiment a 
Veteran organization; there were, however, a good many whose 
term of service did not expire till October, 1864, -who did not feel 
like going in for another three years, but recruiting was progress- 
ing rapidly. At the north, Captain Harper and his aids, of whom 
there were thirteen from the Ninth, were doing good work, and 
the large bounty offered by the Government and the prospect 
that the war would not now be of long duration, made it compar- 
atively easy to fill up a Regiment which was so well known and 
had so fine a reputation as the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. Colonel 
Burgh had turned over to the Ordnance and Quartermaster De- 
partments the arms, horses, and all the other property belonging 
to the Government. On the 16th of March, 1861, the Regiment" 
mustered as a Veteran organization, and on the following day 
marched to Memphis and proceeded north. 

A FAREWELL. 
[From the Memphis paper, April, 186L1 

Last evening, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry Regiment, which had just re en- 
listed in the Veteran Service, nearly to a man, departed for tbeir homes by the 
steamer White Cloud to enjoy their thirty days' furlough. Before the boat started 
off, Brigadier-Generals Grierson and Benton appeared uron ihe lardirg, sad 
were loudly called upon for speeches by the soldiers. 

So earnest was the invitation that it could not be disregarded. So, mount- 
ing a cotton bale, after an appropriate introducth n by Captain M. L. Perkins, of 
the Regiment, General Benton made a brief address to the boys, as he remem- 

105 



106 HISTORY OF THE 

bered, " who had fearlessly followed him through the swamps of Arkansas at the 
initiation of the war, and had ever since sustained the reputation they there won, 
till," as he aptly added, " I can stand with the very ' King ' of the Confederacy 
under my feet, and you upon the broad bosom of the Mississippi, and both ours." 
After General Benton concluded, General Grierson was called for and 
appeared, acquitting himself with a very becoming speech, in which he alluded to 
the laurels the Regiment had won while under him, and complimented them upon 
their re-enlistment. Captain Perkins, in behalf of the Regiment, replied to both 
speeches, after which the steamer shoved out. 

The Veterans of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry embarked on 
the steamer White Cloud at Memphis, Term., on the 18th of 
March, 1864, for Chicago, 111., where the men were to receive 
their furloughs. The eagerness with which our brave comrades 
looked forward to their return home, after an absence of nearly 
three years, can only be understood by those who have been 
deprived (as we had been) of the privilege of visiting home and 
loved ones there, for so long a time. Many of the troopers of the 
Ninth had never been absent a day since their enlistment in 1861, 
and the heart-felt words " Home again " welled up from many a 
manly bosom. Near Cairo, 111., a very sad accident occurred. 
Dennis Maher, of Company D, fell overboard and was drowned. 
This man enlisted September 10, 1861. He was a good soldier 
and re enlisted again as a veteran, January 1, 1864, and was pro- 
moted Corporal in his company. 

On our arrival at Cairo, it was ascertained that transportation 
b}^ rail could not be obtained, and the steamer was headed for 
St. Louis. Colonel Burgh preceded the Regiment there, going 
via railway from Cairo, so as to procure railway transportation 
to Chicago. 

LETTER OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL BURGH. 

REPORTING THE ARRIVAL IN ILLINOIS OF THE VETERAN ORGANIZATION OF THE 
NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Springfield, III., March 22, 1864. 

Col. A. C. Fuller, Adjutant-General, State of Illinois: 

I have the honor to report that I left Germantown, Tenn., March 18, 1864, 
with my command, consisting of thirty-four commissioned officers and three hun- 
dred and thirty-two enlisted men; thirty enlisted men who had not served with 
the Regiment long enough to entitle them to re-enlist, but who have declared their 
intention of so doing, and thirty-five recruits, aggregate four hundred and thirty- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 107 

one (431), pursuant to S. O. No. 62, Headquarters 16th A. C, dated Memphis, 
Tenn., March 17, 1864, and proceeded to this point via St. Louis, Mo., en route 
for Camp Fry, Chicago, as per your telegraphic orders received by me at St. 
Louis last evening. 

Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

H. B. Burgh, 
Lieutenant-Colonel commanding Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

On our arrival in Chicago at 3 o'clock p. m., March, 23d, we 
were met by the Union band and an escort, and marched to the 
" Soldiers' Home, " where we were welcomed by the Adjutant- 
General of the State in a brief and highly eulogistic speech, after 
which the ladies of the Home tendered an elegant supper, which 
was highly appreciated by our brave though tired comrades. 
Soon after our arrival in Chicago, the Veteran soldiers of the 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry were furloughed for thirty days, and 
departed in various directions for their homes. 

Our soldiers began to congregate about the middle of April at 
Camp Fry, Chicago. This beautiful camp was about three miles 
north of the Court House, in the pleasant woods in the vicinity of 
what is now known as Lincoln Park. The recruits were coming 
in. It was necessary for some of the officers to be there to look 
out for them. Colonel Burgh was already there and telegraphed 
Lieutenant Davenport, Commissary, who had been on leave about 
two weeks, to come up to camp to look out for the rations of our 
soldiers. 

Arriving there on the 11th of April, a number of old com- 
rades were on hand (already tired of their leave, and the mo- 
notony of home life), and a number of recruits soon came in, and 
April 26th, the furloughs having expired, the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry again started for the front. The Regiment had re- 
cruited largely, many coming to us who had seen service in other 
regiments. 

At 6.30 p.m., the regiment embarked via the Illinois Central 
Railroad for Cairo. Arriving at the latter place at 11 p.m. the 
27th, the men mostly remained in the cars all night. The next 
morning reported to General Bragman, commanding the post 
of Cairo. "We here learned that Major-General Hurlbut was in 
town, and had left orders for us to take the first boat for Mem- 
phis. Colonel Burgh met General Hurlbut in the morning, who 



108 HISTORY OF THE 

expressed himself as very glad to see the old Ninth Illinois Cav- 
alry back, and repeated the orders we had heard of. In the 
afternoon the steamer Belle of St. Louis came down, and was 
pressed into the service by the Government for our use, and 
before evening we were aboard with a part of the Thirty-seventh 
Illinois Infantry, Colonel John C. Black, who at this time (1888) 
is Pension Agent at Washington, in command. The trip to Mem- 
phis was uneventful. When we passed Fort Pillow, which looked 
desolate and dismantled, we saw an immense number of turkey 
buzzards hovering over the place recently the scene of Forrest's 
brutal massacre. The Ninth arrived at Memphis April 29, 1864, 
at 4.30 p.m., but did not disembark till the 30th, as the weather 
was bad. On that day the Regiment went into camp, situated 
two miles southeast of Memphis, with a complete outfit of tents, 
etc., on the Hernando road, and nearly one mile from Fort 
Pickering. This location was very pleasant, but, on account of 
the scarcitv of water, the Reoiment did not remain here long. 
What a marvelous change from the bleak, cold April days in 
Illinois to the balmy breezes and sunny days, where the very air 
was redolent with the fragrant perfume of Mowers. Major-Gen- 
eral C. C. Washburn commanded the District of Tennessee. 

May 12th. As yet we had only about two hundred horses in 
the Regiment, and of course could not do much field service. 
Major Bishop had been sent to St. Louis to hurry forward some 
horses for our use. 

May 21st. Moved camp southeast, a short distance near the 
college building, a beautiful camp among the trees. Our new 
recruits began coming in fast, and were being drilled and put in 
shape for the field. 

During the absence of the Regiment on veteran furlough, the 
rifles belonging to the Ninth were issued to the employes of the 
Quartermaster Department pending a threatened attack of the 
rebels under General Forrest. Colonel Burgh found the rifles in 
such bad order that he refused to receive them on the ground that 
they were damaged. The ordnance authorities endeavored to 
force the rusty rifles back on us; but our regimental commander 
refused to receive or receipt for them. The Colt's revolving rifle 
was an excellent arm, and had served us well on many an occa- 




GEDRG-E A. PRICE, 



Sergeant Major 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 109 

sion; but there was one serious objection to them; when being 
discharged they would shoot splinters of lead into the left wrist 
and hand of the man firing. The Spencer carbine was a better 
arm for mounted service, and that was the arm Colonel Burgh 
was anxious to procure, and which he did finally obtain, but only 
after a very great effort, and at one time being threatened with 
arrest for "his refusal to receive back our old guns. With our 
new and improved arms, our men became still more emboldened 
and full of confidence in their capability to confront the enemy. 

When the Regiment went North on veteran furlough, the men 
who did not re-enlist, the non-veterans, or bob-tails, as they were 
called, were left at Memphis mounted and equipped, and in 
charge of proper officers, and on the return of the Regiment 
the non-veterans rejoined their respective companies. About this 
time, and while the Veterans were awaiting a re-mount and new 
arms, a detail was called for one hundred and fifty mounted men 
to accompany General Grierson on the expedition of General 
Sturgis against General Forrest, which proved so disastrous to 
the Union forces. The detachment of the Ninth, under the com- 
mand of the gallant Captain A. R. Mock, formed a portion of 
the rear guard during the retreat of that ill-starred expedition, 
and received special praise for his efficiency from General Grier- 
son in his report. Captain Mock behaved with great bravery, 
and his losses were very heavy, being five killed, twenty-nine 
wounded, and twenty-five missing. With Captain Mock on this 
expedition were Captain McMannis and Lieutenants Avery and 
Purviance, of the Ninth, and a detail of twenty men, with Lieu- 
tenant Bushman from the Third Illinois Cavalry, that reported 
to him when the command started, making one hundred and 
sixty men in all. The detail from the Ninth were from the 
several companies of the Regiment, all under the command of 
Captain A. R. Mock, and was divided into two commands, one 
part under the immediate command of Captain McMannis, and 
the other of Lieutenant Avery. The command moved by way 
of Collierville, Moscow, Lamar, and Salem, arriving at Rucker- 
ville, Miss., on the evening of June 5th. June 2d and 3d it 
rained almost constantly. 

On the evening of the 6th, the main column turned south 



110 HISTORY OF THE 

toward Ripley, while the detachment of the Ninth marched east 
to the Tippah River to guard and protect two bridges, one at 
Meek's Mill, the other about two miles below. At Meek's Mill 
we captured a lieutenant who had been wounded, and was on 
furlough recruiting and gathering conscripts for the rebel army. 
The detachment remained at the Tippah River guarding these 
bridges till 3 o'clock p.m. of the 7th, when they were ordered 
to follow up and join the command then near Ripley until the 
morning, when it moved, turning to the east two or three miles 
south of Ripley, and camped that night fourteen miles from 
Riple} r near Stubb's farm. 

On the morning of the 10th of June, 1864, the whole com- 
mand continued eastward ten miles to Brice's farm, about one 
hundred miles from Memphis. Here the road forks. At this 
time the detachment of the Ninth was attached to the brigade 
commanded by Colonel "Waring, of the Fourth Missouri Cavalry. 

We formed in line of battle, dismounted about two miles east 
of Brice's farm, Waring's Brigade being on the left, and this de- 
tachment covering the road, while another brigade, commanded 
by Colonel Winslow of the Third Iowa Cavalry, covered a road 
to the right. General Grierson commanded all the cavalry. At 
this time Lieutenant Purviance was left in charge of the horses, 
an important position, and one which at this time especially re- 
quired not only bravery but good judgment, and Lieutenant 
Purviance was one of those faithful officers who always per- 
formed his duty well. It required, if anything, better soldiers to 
hold and look after the horses, while the command was dis- 
mounted, than it did in the line. This detachment of the Ninth 
was formed across the road on the extreme left of our whole line 
of battle with the Seventh Indiana Cavalry on our right. We 
had not been in position long before the rebels advanced in line 
upon us. We stopped that part of the rebel line in our front and 
held our position. But the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, being armed 
with an inferior carbine, were compelled to fall back, but not until 
after a hand-to-hand conflict with the rebels, and not until 
their Colonel, the gallant Thomas M. Browne (now member of 
Congress from Indiana), was severely wounded. We still held 
our position across the road, under hot tiring from the enemy, until 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. Ill 

the Seventh Indiana fell back, and the rebels gave us an enfilad- 
ing fire. 

In this engagement our little detachment had four killed and 
sixteen wounded. "We then fell back under a heavy fire unsup- 
ported, and found our line back at the cross roads, where we were 
ordered, and where our troops had already moved back and at- 
tempted to again form in line; but the rebels were advancing in 
line so near that we could not form but fell back one half-mile 
and there formed line again. Again our detachment was thrown 
out on the extreme left flank, and to the front of the main 
line, dismounted and still unsupported, fully three-fourths of a mile 
away from the line and command. We had not been in position 
long before the rebels were upon us, advancing in line of battle. 
Soon our whole main line gave way ; Ave fell back some distance, 
and our horses were brought up and we mounted under a heavy 
fire from the enemy's guns, having a deep ravine with high 
steep banks between us and our command, with but a narrow 
small bridge across it some distance to our right, and directlv in 
front of the enemy. To cross this bridge, we came nearly being 
cut off, as the rebels nearly reached the bridge first. By the time 
we reached the command, everything was in confusion, and the 
whole fast becoming disorganized, and soon a general stampede 
commenced in the whole army, excepting the most of the cavalry, 
and even some of the companies of cavalry became detached from 
their regiments, and connected themselves with other regiments 
with whom they came in contact, Our little detachment kept its 
organization intact. In this second stand there was one man 
killed and several wounded. Our whole command then fell back, 
traveling the balance of the day and that night ; arrived at Eipley 
on the morning of the 11th. 

About 9 a. m. that day, this detachment was ordered to the 
rear guard of our straggling column with instructions to delay 
and hinder the enemy as well and as long as they could. This 
was placing a good deal of responsibility upon this small detach- 
ment, asking them to stand alone between General Forrest's 
rapidly advancing command and the slow, tardy retreat of the 
tired, worn-out men of our command. When General Grierson 
ordered Captain Mock, with his detachment, to take the rear at 



112 HISTORY OF THE 

this time, lie instructed him not to depend upon support, but to 
look out for and protect his own flanks and rear. This detach- 
ment defended and held the rear of our retreating and demoral- 
ized army, alone and unsupported, until about 3 o'clock in the after- 
noon. It was one continuous fight, and we fell back, taking advan- 
tage of position, whenever and wherever their flanks were pro- 
tected by the nature of the ground and when it would take the 
enemy a long time to go around, holding them in check until 
forced by overwhelming numbers to give way. About 3 o'clock 
p. m. this detachment was in part relieved by the Fourth Mis- 
souri Cavalry, commanded by their Lieutenant-Colonel, but were 
ordered to remain with and support this regiment, while this lit- 
tle band of less than one hundred and sixty men had successfully 
held the enemy in check from 9 o'clock in the morning till 3 p. m., 
and had enabled the main command to make their retreat in 
safety homeward. The Fourth Missouri Cavalry took the rear; 
their Lieutenant-Colonel left his regiment in command of another 
officer and rode with Captain Mock. This Lieutenant Colonel 
had been captured and in Libby Prison for nearly a year, and 
this was his first field experience since he rejoined his command. 
He said to Captain Mock that he would rather be shot than be 
again a prisoner. Just at this time, while the cavalry was mov- 
ing through the timber and thick underbrush, the rebels charged 
the rear of the .Fourth Missouri Cavalry, and the whole regiment 
stampeded pell-mell, screaming and yelling with fear, while the 
Confederates charged into and through them with their hideous 
yells. Away went the Fourth Missouri, leaving this detachment 
alone again. Captain Mock directed Captain McMannis to form 
his command on the right facing the rear, and to open fire as soon 
as possible, and Captain Avery was directed to form his command 
on the left and somewhat to the rear, and open fire from that po- 
sition. The stampeding Fourth Missouri made some confusion by 
running around, through and over this little detachment, but 
right well did this small force hold its organization, and bravely 
and gallantly did Captains McMannis and Avery swing their com- 
mands into line in the face and midst of the rebels, and poured a 
galling fire into the enemy, which not only checked their advance, 
but sent them back whirling. As soon as Captain McMannis 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 113 

emptied his guns, be was directed to take a position a short dis- 
tance in the rear of Captain Avery, and hold to cover Avery in 
falling back. While Captains McMannis and Avery were gaining 
their first positions, some of the rebels, in following up the rear of 
the Fourth Missouri, had charged into our midst and in some Avay 
again captured the Lieutenant-Colonel of the Fourth Missouri, 
who was inside the positions taken by those two commands. 

Captain Mock speaks in -the highest terms of Captains Mc- 
Mannis and Avery, and says that no officers could have acted 
more coolly, promptly and bravely than did these two in taking 
their positions in the field and midst of the enemy and confusion 
caused b}' the Fourth Missouri running through their ranks. 
This was the last seen of the Fourth Missouri, and the detach- 
ment of the Ninth had to again hold the rear until nearly dark, 
all the time fighting and skirmishing with the vigorous advance 
of the enemy. When he was relieved by the Third Iowa Cav- 
alry, Colonel Winslow informed Captain Mock that he was nine 
miles in the rear of the main command, which had halted at the 
Tallahatchee River, to rest for a short time. The detachment 
followed up and overtook the main command at the Tallahat- 
chee. After moving again toward home, and about four miles 
from the crossing of the river, General Grierson requested 
Captain Mock to take his detachment back to the river, and 
guard and defend the same for two hours, and then follow up as 
rear guard, saying that " he did not feel like ordering this little 
band back, for they had done their full share ; but that the other 
cavalry reported that they were out of ammunition, and he 
wanted this detachment to go back." Our boys felt this to 
be an expression of the General's confidence in and a compli- 
ment to them. From this on, until the command reached Collier- 
ville in safety, this detachment continued to hold the rear. After 
returning to camp, General Grierson issued an order compliment- 
ing the cavalry on this expedition, and especially mentioned this 
detachment of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. It is but just to say 
that the Lieutenant and twenty men from the Third Illinois 
Cavalry, attached to this battalion of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 
fully, nobly and bravely performed their part, and proved them- 
selves to be Veterans. There were many incidents of personal 



114 HISTORY OF THE 

bravery performed by the men of this detachment in this ex- 
pedition worthy of mention, consisting of individual fighting, 
narrow escapes, and dangers encountered and endured, if space 
would permit. The expedition proved a lamentable failure. 
Our losses in men killed, wounded and prisoners were very 
heavy, and of the magnificent train of three hundred six mule 
wagons, loaded with stores for the army below, nearly all were 
captured, and this valuable train helped to feed, clothe and 
arm the Confederate Army. The responsibility of this disaster 
has generally been laid at the door of General S. D. Sturgis. 
It is not unlikely, however, in the light of the result and subse- 
quent developments, that it was very unwise to send this expedi- 
tion out at all, and again it was peculiarly unfortunate that 
the heavy rain-storms that occurred retarded the movement of 
the trains to that extent that the enemy had every opportunity 
and all the time they needed to concentrate their troops, and it 
would appear that it really laid with the army under Forrest to 
say how far south this valuable booty should go before they 
would possess themselves of its richness. It is quite likely that 
had the commanding General, who sent this expedition out, been 
with them, he would have countermanded the whole move- 
ment as soon as the heavy rains had made the country almost 
impassable. 

It has been said that General Sturgis had positive orders to 
go until he found the enemy, and then to fight wherever he 
found them. None but those who participated in this expedition 
can form a correct idea of the suffering and hardships endured, 
marching continually night and day without rest, and two or 
three days without rations or anything to eat, and no time to stop 
to cook or eat; through the mud and in the rain day and night, 
now fighting, now overpowered and falling back, taking a new 
position, holding it as long as possible, then falling back. This 
course oft repeated became, to say the least, decidedly uncom- 
fortable. The representatives of the Ninth shared their full 
measure in* the hardships endured and the fighting which was 
done, and it may justly be said to their credit and honor that 
they stood the brunt of it all. 

It would not be doing justice to a gallant and brave officer, if 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 115 

mention was not made here of the masterly manner in which 
Captain Mock, who was in command of this battalion, handled 
his men, not sparing himself, but in the front ranks dismounted 
in their lines. Quick to see and take advantage of position and 
circumstances, holding a force many times his own in numbers, 
and fighting an exultant and confident foe for days, as the rear 
guard with so small a force, while those around him and sent to 
relieve him, were driven by the enemy in a regular stampede 
even through his command, though their numbers were a regi- 
ment, while his command were only a battalion. He kept the 
enemy at bay. No wonder General Grierson trusted them and 
complimented them by assigning them the position of honor so 
long. 

The following brief account of the Guntown affair is made up 
from notes kindly sent me by Doctor Hemenway: 

In June, 1864, Doctor Hemenway was the only medical officer 
present with General B. F. Grierson's cavalry division, which 
formed a part of General S. D. Sturgis' command, which em- 
braced five thousand infantry, three thousand cavalry, and one 
thousand artillery; total, nine thousand. 

On the 9th of June, when picket firing began in the morning, 
the Doctor was at the front with Captain Mock, who was in com- 
mand of the detachment of the Ninth. It was a fearful sight to 
see the shelling of our train of about two hundred wagons. The 
teamsters became panic stricken, the mules were cut loose from 
the wagons, and their drivers rapidly retreated. The infantry, 
some five miles in the rear, was making time as best they could 
at double quick ; as a matter of course they could not endure long 
under such pressure, as it was a very hot day and the men were 
dropping by the roadside, and throwing away their arms and 
clothing, exhausted. It was indeed a fearful scene. A portion of 
the ambulance train under Doctor Hemenway's charge Avas capt- 
ured by the enemy during the following night, and who at this 
time fully realized the desperate straits in which the whole 
command was placed, and set to work to extricate his ambulance 
train from its perilous position. 

The way was completely blockaded by dense columns of 
troops, cavalry, infantry and artillery, all in one chaotic mass 



110 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

in the road for a distance of four or five miles. This was about 
midnight, and the enemy was pushing' with the utmost vigor. 
Doctor Hemenway forced his way through this mass of obstruc- 
tion, and rode forward to the head of the column, finding many 
soldiers asleep holding their horses. He roused them up and 
started the column in motion again. When daylight came, he 
discovered that only a part of the ambulance train had escaped 
from the enemy. Our forces were hard pushed during the night 
and following day. The ranking officer, with the troops in the 
retreat the next day, was a Colonel of a Minnesota regiment 
and principally by his courage, skill and bravery our command 
was saved from being entirely annihilated. To General Grierson, 
mainly, belongs the credit, and he deserves the greatest praise 
for his skill and good generalship in preventing the entire 
destruction of our command at Guntown, on Tisamingo Creek, 
June 10, and 11, 1861. 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps, ) 

Memphis, Tenn., June 16, 1864. f 
Officers and Soldiers of the Cavalry Division: 

Your General congratulates you upon your noble conduct during the late 
expedition under Brigadier-General S. D. Sturgis. Fighting against over-whelm- 
ing numbers, under most adverse circumstances, your prompt obedience to orders 
and unflinching courage commanding the admiration of all, made even defeat 
almost a victory. For hours on foot you repulsed the charges of the enemy's 
infantry, and again in the saddle you met his cavalry, and turned his assaults 
into confusion. Your heroic perseverance saved hundreds of your fellow soldiers 
from capture and inhuman treatment from a barbarous foe. You have been faith- 
ful to your honorable reputation, and have fully justified the confidence and 
merited the high esteem of your Commander. 

[Signed] B. F. Grierson, 

BHgadier-General Commanding Cavalry Division, Sixteenth Army Corps. 



CHAPTER XV. 

The A. J. Smith Expedition in Mississippi — Fights at Ripley, 
Pontotoc, Tupelo — Charge by Forrest and Lee — Wild 
Charge of Lieutenant McMahon with two Companies — 
Death of McMahon — Support Sent to the Charging Com- 
panies — Captain McArthur Wounded — Precarious Posi- 
tion of Captain Buel — Attacking the Reijel Breastworks, 
Many Wounded — Jesse Hawes' Cool Assurance When a 
Prisoner. 

ABOUT the middle of June, the Regiment was fully mounted 
and armed with the Spencer, and in the very best condition 
for service. The famous lighting General, A. J. Smith, now organ- 
ized a force to try conclusions with the successful Confederate 
chieftain, who had so recently and so signally defeated our unfort- 
unate General Sturgis. The Regiment under command of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Burgh, together with the other regiments of the 
Second Brigade, was ordered to join A. J. Smith's command. 
On reporting to General Smith, Colonel Burgh was instructed by 
that officer to take the advance of his command and proceed to 
La Grange, Tenn., which was to be the point of departure. On 
July 5th, the expedition, with fifteen days, rations, started south. 
Picket-firing and light skirmishing occurred all along the line, 
notably at Ripley, where the Second Iowa had a lively affair with 
the enemy, but no heavy fighting took place until Pontotoc was 
reached. 

The Ninth, having been in the rear, did not take part in the 
fight that took place on the first day. General Smith's command 
bivouacked at Pontotoc the night of the 11th, and the Ninth was 
placed on picket on the Okolona road, one and a half miles from 
Pontotoc, supported by a brigade of infantry and a battery of 
artillery. 

The rebel General took up a strong position on the Okolona 

117 



118 HISTORY OF THE 

road, three or four miles from Pontotoc, and from that point he 
hurried all his troops from Tupelo. 

The morning of the 1 2th, the Ninth was relieved from picket 
and the Second Brigade was ordered to make a feint on the ene- 
my's position with a view to making it appear that Okolona was 
the objective point. The Ninth, in advance, was ordered to drive 
the rebel picket from a log house. Having driven the enemy 
back, the advance battalion ran into an ambush, and lost nearly 
thirty men, killed and wounded. This battalion, composed of 
Companies B, G, I and II, under the command of Captain Buel 
and Captain Mock, was ordered out to develop the strength of 
the enemy, which had been observed south of town. The com- 
mand moved toward the pickets of the enemy, and, when within 
long gunshot of them, they fired a few shots and Slowly retreated, 
our command following until the enemy disappeared in a dense 
thicket of small trees. Up to this time our losses had been 
slight, and, feeling that only a small force was opposed to us, 
the little command (about eighty men) had no hesitation in fol- 
lowing them closely, supposing the Confederate numbers to be 
about the same, or possibly a little larger, but as we were armed 
with repeating rifles we gave but slight consideration to a mod- 
erate disproportion of numbers. When we had passed com- 
pletely into the thicket, the order was given to load all empty 
chambers of our repeating rifles and revolvers. Just beyond the 
dense thicket was a large open field, the edge of which was only 
ten or fifteen rods from our line ; around the edge of the field, 
close to the thicket, extended a rail fence directly in our front. 
The fence had been permitted to remain unmolested, while rails 
were brought from a distant part to render it a bullet-proof 
breastwork. Here were placed Lyons' Kentucky Brigade (Con- 
federate) and Rucker's Brigade, while in good supporting dis- 
tance, back in the field at their rear, was McCullough's old bri- 
gade. Against these three brigades our little command was 
drawn up. As soon as all arms had been loaded, the order 
" Forward ! " was given. So close were the Confederate brigades 
that the order to advance was as plainly heard by them as by us. 

Their picket had seen our force approaching through the open 
field, but the commander of the Confederate division believed 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 119 

when he heard our commands given that our men must have been 
strongly reinforced, else they would not move against his troops 
with so much confidence. Waiting until the Federals could be 
noticed moving the dense foliage in his immediate front, the or- 
der was given the enemy to " fire ! "' The volley killed instantly 
Ed. Branch, a new recruit of Company I, and Byron Smith, of 
Company G ; a bullet passed through the right arm of Tom 
Rasor of Company I, and Sergeant Abbott, of the same company, 
was wounded in the shoulder; Henry Rinker, Company G, and 
Charlie Keich, Sergeant Henry Hardesty, and James Feeley, 
Company B, were each severely wounded, and several others 
were rendered helpless. Jesse Hawes, of Company I, was the 
only one captured at this time. He passed through the thicket, 
and, going within arm's length of the breastwork, found himself 
alone and unable to retreat, standing for a moment in indecision, 
while a dozen voices cried, " Don't shoot him ! " A big, brawny 
Kentuckian reached over the breastworks and draocr e d him in. 
Recognizing at once the great odds against his comrades, he in- 
formed the Confederate commander that several regiments were 
close at hand, and would in a short time charge the breastworks. 
The statement caused the Confederates to act on the defensive, 
and gave the detachment of the Ninth an opportunity to retreat 
without further loss. As the battalion was at so great a distance 
from any support, it would have been an easy matter for the 
Confederates, had they known the real status, to have captured 
nearly all the battalion. Thus this young soldier, by his quick- 
witted assertions in regard to the strength of our forces near by, 
prevented the enemy from attempting offensive operations. 
Rasor was so severely wounded that it was found necessary to 
leave him in a house at Pontotoc, and a few weeks after his 
arm was amputated by a Confederate surgeon to save his life. 

During this fight a part of the battalion with Captain Mock 
were within a short distance of the enemy's breastworks, and 
protected by the logs and bushes. Mock arose and waving his 
sword, attempted to rally his men for the charge, but the hail of 
lead was too hot; only one man, Sergeant Showalter, arose from 
cover, and the brave leader was obliged to give up the attempt. 
At this time, the Ninth had opened the battle in gallant style, 



120 HISTORY OF THE 

and diove the enemy from his first line of breastworks by a direct 
charge, and was about to charge and flank his second line, when 
orders were received to fall back and follow the command on the 
Tupelo road. 

Our losses in this engagement were severe, as we had to fight 
the enemy on ground of his own choosing. 

During the continuance of the fight, General Smith, having 
learned from his scouts that Forrest had evacuated Tupelo, 
moved the main part of his command by the left flank, and en- 
tered Tupelo in the afternoon. This movement was a complete 
surprise to the rebel commander, who tried hard to offset it by 
an energetic effort to cut off a part of Smith's command, and to 
capture his supply and ammunition trains, by a sudden and im- 
petuous attack on the flank. 

Once in Tupelo, General Smith quickly disposed his army in 
line of battle, the line being formed on the ground that Forrest 
had selected for the Confederate Army. 

The position selected was on a line of semicircular hills in 
front of a belt of timber, and with broad open fields in front over 
which the enemy would have to march to attack. The flanks 
rested on swamps, back of which and in rear of the line the 
cavalry was placed to guard against surprise in that direction. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, however, was not with the cavalry 
on that occasion ; the Regiment was dismounted and placed in line 
of battle with the infantry of General Mower's division and in 
support of Bautau's battery of artillery. Breastworks were 
thrown up and the position strengthened as much as possible. 
The rebel command consisted of the combined forces of Generals 
Forrest and S. D. Lee, and was formed in line of battle in the 
timber beyond the open field that lay in our front, and advanced 
in grand and magnificent array with flags and banners streaming 
in the morning sun. It was truly a grand sight to see those lines 
advancing through the open fields, with their generals and field 
officers in position, and all in full sight of our line of battle. On, 
on, the}^ came, driving in our skirmish lines. On they came with 
our batteries mowing wide gaps in those splendid lines. On they 
came, but not a shot from our rifles was fired to check or stop 
their advance until they were within short rifle range, when, at the 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 121 

signal from General Smith's headquarters, our entire line of bat- 
tle opened a terribly destructive fire on the advancing- foe. The 
rebel line wavered, staggered, dropped to their knees and next 
moment they were in full retreat. With ringing cheers our men 
sprang over the breastworks and charged the Hying Confederates. 
Under cover of the advance of our line, the ambulance train 
pushed to the front and brought in hundreds of wounded Confed- 
erates. The field presented a never-to-be-forgotten scene. Muti- 
lated bodies of men and horses lay thick in front of our lines. 
Field hospitals were improvised and our surgeons at once set to 
work to attend the wounded of both sides. A second time the 
enemy advanced upon our line, and again he was hurled back with 
even greater slaughter than before. The sight upon the battle-field, 
after the second repulse, was truly sickening. The rebel forces 
were now withdrawn to the timber in their rear, where they were 
reorganized and rested during the night. Next morning the rebel 
generals made another attack, but it ended, as the others did, in de- 
feat. General Smith now took up the march for Oldtown Creek, 
leaving General Mower's division and the Ninth Illinois to hold 
the lines while the command got under way. Later General 
Mower's division pulled out, leaving the Ninth Illinois all alone to 
hold the lines and amuse the enemy. Before leaving, General 
Mower sent an order to the Ninth to mount and charo-e the rebel 
lines. Colonel Burgh sent his compliments to the General with 
the information that the Ninth was a rifle regiment and that 
only two of its companies were armed with sabers. General 
Mower then ordered that those two companies move to the front 
and charge the enemy's skirmish line. It was a very unwise 
order, but had to be obeyed. The two companies, A and H, 
mounted and moved to the front on the Ilarrisburg road, where, 
in compliance with General Mower's direct order, they deployed as 
skirmishers and advanced upon the enemy. Seeing that the two 
companies were moving against a very superior force and fearing 
for their safety, Colonel Burgh mounted a battalion of the Begi- 
ment and followed after the two companies, now rapidly advanc- 
ing to the charge, so as to cover their retreat. It was a timely 
move, for, although the charge was a gallant one and only stopped 
at the enemy's breastworks, where its gallant leader, the brave 



122 HISTORY OF THE 

McMahon fell, pierced by rebel bullets, it was doomed to de- 
feat, because of the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. The 
rebels, seeing another and a stronger force of mounted men ap- 
proaching, fell into the error of supposing another charge was to 
be made, and allowed our two bleeding companies to retire unpur- 
sued. On reaching the two companies, the battalion was wheeled 
to the rear, and all soon after reached the lines without further 
loss. One of our bravest officers and a number of our best soldiers 
were killed, and a great many were wounded in that useless 
charge. 

When the battalion under Captain Cowen was sent to the sup- 
port of Companies A and II, the two charging companies, Com- 
pany L was advanced to the center of a large field across which 
McMahon had charged. Here there were a few scattering trees, 
and the support was placed in position to cover the retreat of the 
charging companies, Colonel Burgh, wisely foreseeing their in- 
evitable defeat ; Company L, under Lieutenant Carpenter, was in 
the advance, and gallantly held the enemy back until the last of 
Company H came back from the fruitless charge. 

Reuben Robinson, of Company H, was here wounded by a 
shot through the arm that cut an artery, and Lieutenant Carpen- 
ter instructed Sergeant Gallino to wind a suspender tightly 
around the arm, which stopped the flow of blood and saved the 
man, though he lost the arm. During all this time the enemy 
had been sending shot and shell from their artillery, and Com- 
pany L fell in with C and D, at Harrisburg, now becoming the 
dismounted rear guard, and fell back half a mile to their lead horses 
that had been taken back out of range of the enemy's fire. The 
firing now was hot and heavy, and before the} 7 reached their 
horses the rebs were within fifty yards of them. 

General Mower's division had moved away during this last 
movement, leaving the Ninth alone in front of the enemy, who 
continued to shell our position, but made no advance on our lines. 
It was during this time that the gallant Captain Frank McArthur, 
of Company 0, was wounded by a fragment of a shell. He had 
led his company into the fight at Pontotoc, and headed it during 
the big battle of the the day before at Tupelo, and came out with- 
out a scratch, and now, just as we were about to withdraw from 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 123 

the front of the enemy, he ivas struck clown. Orders were now 
received to evacuate the works and follow up the command. 

On the 17th, Company D had been relieved from picket by 
Company L, and a vidette had just been placed out about one- 
half mile from the main post, when a large body of rebels was 
seen approaching. Lieutenant Carpenter called in the vidette, 
formed his men in line undercover of the fence, waiting until the 
enemy came within one hundred yards. This little band opened on 
them with their long rifles so effectively that they were obliged to 
retreat before the main command, that had been attracted by the 
firing, came up to reinforce them. Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh 
complimented Lieutenant Carpenter, and the brave men of Com- 
pany L, for the handsome manner in which they repulsed the 
enemy. 

The Ninth having the rear, and the enemy following up closely, 
skirmishing was kept up all the way to Oldtown Creek, and just 
as the Regiment reached the Creek, where the army had halted for 
the night, the rebels under General Forrest, in person, made a 
furious attack on its flank and rear, hoping to cut it up or capture 
it before rejoining the main force. From Oldtown Creek the 
army returned to Memphis by easy marches, having whipped the 
enemy in return for the Guntown disaster, and accomplished 
everything that was expected of it. 



I 



% 



CHAPTEE XVI, 

Second Expedition of General A. J. Smith — Hurricane Creek 
Fight — Flank Movements-— Rebels Driven Away From 
Their Dinner— Brilliant Maneuver of the Ninth Under 
Colonel Burgh — Oldtown Creek — Forrest's Raid on Mem- 
phis — Attempt to Capture Generals Washburn and Hurl- 
but — Brave Defense of Captain Cook — Colonel Starr 
Killed — Forrest Driven Out — Regiment to White's Sta- 
tion — Muster Out of Non-Veterans. 

AUGUST 2d, General A. J. Smith's command again took the 
field, the Cavalry division being under Brigadier-General 
Hatch, and the Second Brigade commanded by Colonel D. E. 
Coon. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, under Lieutenant-Colonel 
Burgh, the Sixth Illinois, under Colonel Starr, and the Second 
Iowa, under Major Horton. The First Brigade was under Colo- 
nel Herrick of the Seventh Kansas Cavalry. 

The command moved in the direction of Oxford, Miss. The 
Second Brigade moved down the Tallahatchee River as a feint, 
while the main force, having built a temporary bridge near 
Waterford, crossed there. Hatch's command pressed forward, 
and captured one piece of artillery south of the bridge. The 
First Brigade of Colonel Herrick held the advance, and skir- 
mished to the vicinity of Oxford, both sides using artillery. The 
Second Brigade had the advance, and Major Horton of the 
Second Iowa, and the Seventh Kansas, were engaged at Oxford. 
Captain Foster of the Second Iowa, with one battalion, moved 
forward, dismounted, and Major Moore, of the Second Iowa, 
followed mounted, but did not reach the town in time to catch 
the retreating rebels. The skirmish into town, in which the 
Seventh Kansas was in the advance, had been brisk, and several 
men were wounded. Major Horton here captured a considerable 
amount of ammunition. 

124 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 125 

On the 12th, Captain MoMannis of the Ninth, and Captain 
Bundy of the Second Iowa, with two companies from each 
regiment, had a fight with the enemy's picket, fasting nearly two 
hours, and caused them to fall back on their main line, when they 
were met with an artillery fire, and fell back ; then the Second 
Iowa engaged the enemy with artillery. 

At Hurricane Creek, on the 13th, a severe fight took place, in 
which the Ninth, under command of Lieutenant-Colonel Harry 
B. Burgh, played an important part. The Ninth, supported by 
the Sixth Illinois, under command of Major Whitsit (Colonel 
Starr being too ill to command), turned the enemy's left flank and 
captured three lines of breastworks, thus compelling the rebel 
general to evacuate the entire position. 

In this engagement the Sixth and Ninth were opposed by a 
whole brigade under General Mayberry. In the fight one 
battalion under Captain Harper moved forward direct, and struck 
the rebel pickets at the creek, driving them back some distance, 
when they were heavily reinforced and held our force in check ; 
Colonel Burgh then ordered Captain Mock with his battalion to 
dismount and move around through the woods to our right, and 
attack the rebels on the flank and rear. Captain McMannis was 
also ordered to dismount the other battalion, and place them on 
the left and support the advance. The two dismounted battalions 
moved forward, the one under Captain Mock passing through a 
small cornfield and woods; the thick underbrush of the latter 
hiding them from observation from the rebels. Making a half 
wheel, the battalion swung around, and struck the enemy on 
their left line and in their camps. 

It was a complete surprise to the rebels, as their reserve in 
camp were cooking their dinner. The officers' baggage was lying 
around loose, and the frying-pans on the fire, the coffee-pots boil- 
ing, which our boys appropriated as they passed through the 
camp. A number of horses and trappings were captured here, 
though it was not long before the rebels formed and gave us a 
hot fire. In the meantine Major McMannis was moving forward 
on the left of the line, the ground here being open, and, pressing 
them forward there, the battalion in the center was enabled to 
move forward, and with the aid of the Sixth Illinois Cavalry gal- 



126 HISTORY OF THE 

lantly drove the enemy, thus opening the way for General Smith 
to cross the creek with the infantry to the opposite side. 

In this fight, which was splendidly maneuvered by Colonel 
Burgh, the Ninth did most excellent service. Up to this time the 
fight at Hurricane Creek Avas the sharpest fight the Ninth had 
been in, and the verv able manner in which Colonel Burgh 
handled the Kegiment, and the intelligent and prompt manner in 
which the three battalions was handled, and the results accom- 
plished, were all worthy of the highest praise. 

In this fight we lost four men killed and a number wounded, 
among the latter being Sergeant Mapes, of Company C, who died 
shortly afterward of his wound ; W. P. Bryson, of Company C ; 
Sergeant Godfrey LaSalle, of Company B, severely through the 
head ; William Brigham, of Company A, who died soon after; 
and others whose names can not be obtained. 

At Oxford, the Ninth, having swung around the outskirts, en- 
tered the town from the rear, as our main force came in from 
the front. 

Here General Smith learned that Forrest had withdrawn the 
main part of his command after the fight at Hurricane Creek, 
and had made a raid on Memphis. 

This intelligence caused General Smith and his command to 
return to Memphis. 

August 21st, the Confederate General Forrest made a dash into 
Memphis, expecting to capture Generals Washburn and Hurlbut, 
but did not succeed in getting either, though General Washburn 
had a very narrow escape. It was just at daylight when they 
came into the city. Dividing their force into two parties, one 
under Colonel Jesse Forrest, a brother of the General, dashed up 
to General Washburn's headquarters, but the bird had flown, 
as General Washburn was away and into Fort Pickering at the 
first alarm. 

A number of prisoners Avere captured here, among them 
Lieutenant Arthur M. Kenzie, aid to General Washburn, and 
Sergeant-Major Curtis L. Knight, of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 
the latter being detailed on duty at Washburn's headquarters. 

Forrest carried off Washburn's overcoat. 

They then rode to the Gayosa House and into the office, de- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 127 

mantling- of the astonished clerk to know where General Ilurlbut 
was. The clerk informed them that General Hurlbut had not 
staid there that night. This, they said, was all a damned lie, 
and, demanding the key to his room, rushed up-stairs ; but for- 
tunately it was true. Hurlbut was not there, he having remained 
away with some friends that night, and thus narrowly escaped 
capture. 

Many interesting incidents occurred. One Captain Cook was 
awakened by the bursting in of the door of his room, seized his 
revolver, and actually drove three men with loaded muskets from 
his door and down-stairs. Very many acts of personal bravery 
occurred. An incident which I will relate, as it has connection 
with these two expeditions, is the following : While General 
Smith was advancing on Oxford, Colonel M. H. Starr, of the Sixth 
Illinois, accompanied Smith's expedition, but was taken ill dur- 
ing the engagement at Hurricane Creek. The next day he was 
sent to Memphis, via railroad, from Holly Springs, in charge of a 
train of our wounded soldiers. Arriving at Memphis, he turned 
over his charge and repaired to his regimental camp, where he 
hoped to find rest and restoration to health. The next morning, 
before the Colonel arose, Forrest's troopers dashed through the 
camp grounds en route for the city, firing right and left as they 
galloped through. While lying on his cot 'in supposed security, 
Colonel Starr received a mortal wound, from the effects of which 
he died October 1st, following. This was just like one of For- 
rest's moves. He managed to get in the rear of Smith's raiding 
forces after the fight at Oldtown Creek, and, while General 
Smith's forces were moving , toward Oxford, he took about two 
thousand of his picked cavalry, and, knowing the country and 
every short cut, made a dash for Memphis and the railroad, ex- 
pecting to catch some of our big Generals and cut our communi- 
cations on the Memphis & Charleston Kailroad. 

The Provost Guard and the Eighth Iowa Infantry were alter 
him, and, with the militia, soon began to fight in earnest, and 
after about two hours' fighting in the streets, he was driven out, 
hard pressed by our soldiers. As a matter of fact, this raid was 
barren of results, except to show Forrest's audacity. 

The Kegiment, under Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh, arrived in 



128 HISTORY OF THE 

camp at Collierville, Term., August 30th, and, with General 
Hatch's Division, was immediately ordered to Germantown. 
Colonel Burgh had a severe sunstroke on the 24th, while on the 
march (and before the arrival in camp of the expedition), which 
threatened to be serious in its consequences. Keport came to us 
at this time that Colonel Brackett had been promoted to a Briga- 
dier-Generalship. This we all hoped would prove true, for in ad- 
dition to the honor bestowed on our gallant Colonel, it would 
have caused the promotion of our worthy and gallant Lieutenant- 
Colonel Burgh to be Colonel, and several more well-merited pro- 
motions in the Regiment. The rumor was, however, much to our 
regret, unfounded. We had just got comfortably fixed in camp 
when the cavalry division was ordered to White's Station, nine 
miles from Memphis. This camp was very dry and dusty, and 
was supplied with water from an artesian well. Date of arrival 
at this station was September 5th. The term of service of the non- 
veterans was then expiring, and efforts were put forth to fill their 
places. 

September 22d, four hundred non-veterans from the Second 
Iowa Cavalry were sent north to be mustered out. This had a 
tendency to cause many of our boys to determine that they, too, 
would muster out at the expiration of their three years' term of 
service. At this time Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh was ordered to 
Springfield, 111., to make arrangements for men enough to fill up 
the Regiment. 

In addition to those designated in the following order, those 
named below w r ere mustered out on the dates named by reason of 
the expiration of their term of service : 

First Lieutenant William M. Benton, Company A, October 19, 1864; 
Captain F. H. McArthur, Company C, November 15, 1864; Captain Llewellyn 
Cowen, Company D, September 23, 1864; Captain Richard D. Ellsworth, 
Company E, October 31, 1864; First Lieutenant A. W. McClure, Company 
H, November 25, 1864; Captain Louis F. Booth, Company L, November 
11, 1864. The remainder of the non-veterans of the Begiment were mustered 
out at various periods as their terms of service expired. 

Headquarters District op West Tennessee, ) 
Memphis, Tenn., September 16, 1864. )" 
Special Order No. 143. 
Extract 1. — The original term of enlistment of Companies A, B, C and D, 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, having expired, the non-veterans of those 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 129 

Companies are hereby ordered to proceed, forthwith, in charge of the 
following named commissioned officers, viz.: Major Ira R. Gifford, Captain 
Llewellyn Cowen, and Chaplain Gideon L. Brayton, to Springfield, 111., and re- 
port through His Excellency, the Governor, to the Superintendent-General 
Recruiting, State of Illinois, for muster out of service. 

The Quartermaster's Department will furnish necessary transportation. 
By order of Major General C. C. Washburn. 

William H. Morgan, 
Major and Assistant Adjutant- General. 
[Official.] Charles H. Townsend, 

Lieutenant and Acting Assistant Adjutant General. 

When the cavalry expedition, of which the Ninth formed a 
part, under General Hatch, moved out from German town, Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Burgh was still ill from the effects of the sunstroke 
received not long before, and was unable to take command of the 
Regiment in the field, and as the Majors of the Ninth were about 
to muster out, the command devolved upon Captain William C. 
Blackburn, of Company A, who was the senior Captain of the 
Regiment. 

Captain Blackburn commanded the Regiment till about the 8th 
of November, 1864, when he was relieved from the command, and 
was taken prisoner by the Confederates at or ne"ar Campbellville,, 
Tenn., November 24, 1864. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

The Ninth Marches from White's Station — Clifton and Shoal 
Creek — Savannah — Hood's Army Threatening — Skir- 
mish at Shoal Creek — Severe Fighting on the 11th and 
19th of November — Captain Harper in Command — Capt- 
ure of Chalmer's Headquarters Trains and Flags, by 
Captain Mock — Movement to Butler Creek — Captain Car- 
penter's Brave Fight on Picket — Capture of Couriers with 
Valuable Dispatches — Hard Fight of Lieutenants Hillier 

AND NlEMYER — - CAPTAIN Mock's BATTALION Cut Off The 

Darky Guide — Adjutant Power a Prisoner — Crossing 
the Ford, and Arrival in Camp. 

THE Ninth Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Captain W. C. 
Blackburn, forming a part of General Platen's cavalry 
division, moved out from White's Station, Tenn., September 30, 
1864, at 12 m., crossed Wolf River at Germantown, and camped 
that night three miles from the river. 

October 1st. Passed through Moscow, camping three miles 
from the town, and started at 3 a. m. without breakfast, arrived 
at Bolivar at 6 p. m., and crossed the Hatchee River. 

October 2d. Drew here what rations were left, and the wagons 
were sent back to camp. 

October 3d. Marched all day, camped at 6 p. m. at Mount 
Princeton; at this place some of the boys indulged rather too 
freely in hard cider ; started at 3 p. m., passed through Miffin, 
and camped eighteen miles from the Tennessee River. 

October 5th. Started at 8 a. m., dinner and feed at 2 p. m., 
and marched all night. The country here being very rough and 
mountainous, arrived opposite Clifton, on the Tennessee River, 
where were found two gunboats and three transports. 

October 6th. Crossed the Tennessee River to Clifton, and drew 
five days' rations, moving out on the Nashville pike twelve miles 

130 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. . 131 

and camped for the night. At this time there was with ns one 
brigade of infantry ; General Washburn also present with us. 

October 7th. Passed through Way nesboro,about noon, camped 
at night about twelve miles from Lawrenceburg ; at 4 o'clock a.m., 
in the saddle again, passing through Lawrenceburg at 2 r. m. ; 
encamped at dark on Shoal Creek, three miles from Eagle Mills. 

October 9th. Left Shoal Creek by the military road to Flor- 
ence, crossed the State line, and camped again on Shoal Creek. 

October 10th. Moved out at 3 a. m., leaving the military road 
and marched toward Waterloo, passing through Gravelly Springs; 
arrived at Waterloo about dark. Here we learned that there was 
quite a tight a short distance from this place between our infantry 
and Forrest's command. We lost four pieces of artillery and a 
number of prisoners. 

October 11th. Marched twelve miles down the river and 
camped. 

October 12th. One battalion of the Ninth was sent to Pulaski 
with despatches, passed through Savannah at 3 p. m. and camped 
three miles below ; here the foraging parties of the Regiment 
struck a bonanza, finding a plenty of pork, potatoes, molasses, etc. 

October 14th. Four men captured while foraging. These men 
were under Lieutenant-Major and straggled from the command. 
The next day three of the men came in, having been paroled. 
The other one was wounded and left at a house by his captors, 
they having paroled him, too. 

October 16th. Marched to Clifton, where we found one gun- 
boat and a transport with rations and forage. Here General 
Washburn left us, going down the river on the City of Pekin. 
Drew three days' rations, and on the 19th had our horses shod. 

October 20th. Foraging. The 21st, again drew three days' 
rations ; the 22d, foraging. 

October 23rd. Another boat came up the river and the battalion 
that was sent to Pulaski on the 12th returned, and all needing 1 
clothing were fitted out. The weather rainy and very cold. 

October 22d. Rebel picket and our boys had some talk across 
the river. 

October 28th. Captain Blackburn took the Regiment down to 
Patriot for forage; 29th, marched out four miles, to the Nashville 



132 HISTORY OF THE 

pike and camped ; 30th, marched all day and camped seven miles 
east of Waynesboro ; 31st, again marched all day and camped at 
Lawrenceburg. We here mustered for pay, but did not know- 
when the Regiment or command would be favored by the pres- 
ence of the Paymaster. 

November 1st. Arrived at Pulaski at 3 r. m., camping two miles 
from town on Duck River; it now began to look threatening, as 
Hood's army was reported crossing the Tennessee River at Flor- 
ence, Ala., and the Fourth Army Corps ordered here to Pulaski. 
The Brigade nearly all on picket. 

November 5th. The cavalry division took up their line of 
march toward Florence, camped at dark at Sugar Creek, cannon- 
ading on the Tennessee River ; November 6th, marched through 
Lexington and struck the enemy at Shoal Creek ; November 7th, 
skirmishing at the Creek ; November 8th,the Second Iowa Cavalry 
had an election, and thus had an opportunity of showing that, 
though they were soldiers, they were still citizens of the republic 
of the United States, while the soldiers from the great State of Illi- 
nois were disfranchised because we were soldiers. The weather 
continued very bad, rainy and cold, roads almost impassable, and 
the command moved out on the 9th and attacked the enemy. After 
two hours' fighting, retired and went into camp. 

November 10th. A part of the Regiment went out for forage, 
of which there was an abundance in this section ; weather clearing 
and prospects for a better spell of weather, which, with the 
little or no covering which the boys had, made a more cheerful 
feeling in camp. 

SHOAL CREEK. 

The various skirmishes taking place, day by day, in the vicinity 
of Shoal Creek seemed to be barren of any substantial results. 
General Hatch determined on a general attack all along our line. 
The Second Brigade was to attack the enemy on the main or Old 
Jackson military road leading from Nashville to Florence. The 
whole movement and attack to be made as near as possible 
simultaneously, at a certain hour in the morning. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Captain J. W. 
Harper, was ordered to move up the river and cross at Cowpen 
Mills, and then move around and to the rear of the rebels, and 




WESLEY T. FOSTER, 
Sergeant Co. K. 



JOHN M. FLETCHER. 
Co. E. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 133 

strike them at a certain time after the hour set for the commence- 
ment of the battle. At the appointed time the cannons began to 
roar and the carbines to rattle all along our line. The Ninth 
marched as ordered up the river, and, crossing at Cowpen Mills, 
moved out into the enemy's camp some five miles, on another 
road leading toward Florence. The instructions to Captain 
Harper were that when he found the enemy he was to charge 
them, and make them believe that the whole or a large part of our 
command was there. After coming thus far we struck another 
road turning to the left, and here Captain Harper directed 
Captain Mock (the next ranking officer) to take six companies 
and move on straight ahead, and gave him the same orders he had 
himself received, while he took the remaining six companies 
and moved to the left. At this time the fighting at the ford 
was hard, our forces making vigorous exertions to drive the 
enemy and dislodge them so as to move forward, but without 
success. Captain Harper proceeded to charge large bodies of the 
enemy in his front, and such was his dash and impetuosity 
that the rebs gave way and he pressed forward some distance. 
Finally striking the main command, he was unable to go farther, 
and, being in great danger of being cut off, and not knowing the 
fate of the other six companies, he started back. In the mean- 
time, Captain Mock had moved forward, met the enemy, charged 
and drove them back into their camp, and could go no farther in 
that direction. Having early in the day dismounted two com- 
panies, II, under Lieutenant David Hillier, and F, under Lieu- 
tenant Niemyer, to push the rebels back into their camps, so 
far did these two companies, under the lead of their gallant com- 
manders, go, that it seemed almost an impossibility for them to 
draw their men away in safety. The swarming Confederate 
troops had almost surrounded them. Sergeant Henry Hardesty 
reported the rebels to be moving to the right, with the evident 
intention of gaining the Federal rear. Finally Captain Mock got 
his six companies together, and moved back to the road, thinking 
if he joined again with Captain Harper the outlook would be 
better. After marching about two miles with a persistent and 
aggressive pursuit, and a hot fire from the rebs, he met Captain 
Harper coming back; he, too, having all he could do and a little 



134 HISTORY OF THE 

more, and expecting they would have to cut their way out, and 
the whole command really surrounded. The Confederate com- 
manders did not know what to make of their bold attacks, and 
soon became impressed with the idea that a much larger force 
was over the river and in their rear, where our main attack had 
been concentrated ; so that when the two divisions of the Ninth 
were again united, and preparing to force their way through, 
they suddenly found the way, in the direction of the ford, 
abandoned by the enemy, who were beating a hasty retreat from 
the position in front of the main part of our forces at the ford, 
where the brigade had been fighting them all the morning, 
and had been unable to dislodge them. This was an unexpected 
and fortunate movement for the Ninth, and they were not slow 
to improve it. Then while the Regiment was marching to the 
ford and across, the Confederates saw their mistake. They really 
had the Ninth completely bagged and then kindly opened the 
door and let them walk away. When the brigade on the Federal 
side of the river saw the Ninth coming back over the very ground 
just vacated by the Confederate troops, they thought surely they 
were enemies, and formed in line of battle to receive t'r.em, not 
knowing if they were friends or foes. 

The Regiment had been within a few miles of Florence and 
did steady and hard fighting, and threw the whole Confederate 
army into more or less confusion by the boldness and dash of their 
attacks, and finally withdrew in safety with but small loss. 

From the 11th to the 17th of November, moving in the vicinity 
of Shoal Creek, and having no regular rations, the Regiment was 
obliged to forage on the country almost entirely; on this day, the 
17th, drew five days' rations; on the 18th, crossed Shoal Creek 
again and moved out to the Butler Creek road ; met the rebels 
and skirmished that day, returned to camp atCowpen Mills, again 
raining all day. 

November 19th the brigade again crossed the river and 
marched to Butler Creek road, expecting to camp there. The 
battalion commanded by Captain Mock, A, B, K and M, was or- 
dered to the AVaynesboro road, and ran into the rebel General 
Chalmers' wagon train, capturing eight wagons, one ambulance 
and about fifty mules and horses, from which the riders fled, panic- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 135 

stricken, when our cavalry dashed in upon them ; while this was 
taking place the Confederate cavalry had forced the rest of the 
brigade back over the river, and this battalion was cut off. The 
position at this time was very critical. The rebels surrounded the 
small command before dark and charged on them repeatedly. 
They then broke for the woods, and becoming somewhat separated, 
wandered around all night trying to reach some ford where they 
could cross back to the command. They were now in the rear 
and in the midst of the Confederate army. It now being very 
dark, they frequently ran into some of the rebel camps, and they, 
supposing the intruders were rebs like themselves, paid them no 
attention and finally laid down to rest. Toward morning they 
found a ford unguarded by the rebels, and, crossing over about 
daylight, joined the main command some three or four miles back 
from the river, with a loss at that time of thirty -two men ; the 
most of them, however, came in within the next few days. 

The following account is made up from extracts from a paper 
kindly furnished by Lieutenant-Colonel A. R. Mock, who w T as at 
the time mentioned, November 19, 1864, Captain of Company B, 
and was in command of a battalion of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 
composed of Companies A, B, K and M, commanded respectively 
by Lieutenant David Hillier, Company A ; Sergeant Thomas J. 
McNair, Company B ; Lieutenant A. Clark, Company K ; Lieu- 
tenant Benjamin D. Gallino, Company M : 

On the morning of November 19, 186-4, in order to ascertain 
the strength of the enemy on the south side of Shoal Creek, and 
north of the Tennessee River, General Hatch ordered the Second 
Brigade to move to the ford at Cowpen Mills and cross Shoal 
Creek, and go into camp at or near Bailey's Springs, on Butler 
Creek. Shoal Creek was a stream fully one hundred yards wide, 
with an uneven, rocky bottom, and only ford able at certain places. 
The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Captain Harper commanding, was in 
the advance, and Captain Mock's Battalion, the advance guard of 
the Regiment. Soon after crossing the river we struck the rebel 
pickets, and drove them back as we moved forward. Two and 
one-half miles from the river, we came to a cross road. Here our 
command was to turn to the right and march to Butler Creek. 
On reaching this cross road, Company L, Captain J. H. Carpenter 



136 HISTORY OF THE 

commanding, was placed on the cross road leading to the right, 
as a picket, and to protect that flank while the command was 
passing. Captain Carpenter then, with his company, moved for- 
ward on this road about one mile, and, hearing the sound of 
moving wagons and artillery but a short distance over the hill, 
became convinced that the rebels were there in force, and marched 
back to his picket post. They had not been stationed here long, 
when they saw a solitary horseman approaching on the road. 
The timber was scattering. He seemed to be quite unconcerned, 
and entirely unaware that there were any Yankees over the river; 
when he came within two hundred yards, John Shelton, against 
the order of Captain Carpenter, fired at him, and he immediately 
went back and over the hill ; soon the rebels began to appear over 
the crest of the hill, and Captain Carpenter sent a courier, Henry 
Shelton, to Captain Harper, informing him of the state of affairs, 
and asking for orders. Captain Harper, realizing the situation, 
ordered Captain Carpenter to fire a volley if attacked, and hold 
the enemy in check as long as possible, and then moved to his 
relief with the balance of the regiment that was left with him. 
In the meantime the rebs kept coming up over the hill, and 
moving forward toward the picket. Captain Carpenter threw 
his company into position to receive them, by dismounting his 
men and forming them in a half circle behind the trees, and 
awaited the coming charge of the rebels, with instructions to his 
men not to fire till he gave the order. The rebs charged up, 
and when within short range Company L opened on them from 
their seven-shooting carbines, and kept up a stream of firing ; on 
dashed the rebels into and through the little band. Many horses 
were shot and rebels killed. A prisoner captured the next day 
reported that they lost sixteen men killed, and supposed they were 
fighting a brigade. One rebel's horse fell, shot through the neck, 
at Captain Carpenter's feet, and his two revolvers dropped from 
his saddle, which Carpenter picked up. The Johnnies could not 
stand the fire and retreated, while Company L did not lose a 
man. It was bravely done. How in the world this one company 
beat off at least two hundred rebels was a matter of surprise. 
When Colonel Coon inquired who was on this picket, and was 
informed that it was Captain Carpenter, he said, "It was all 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 137 

right, and he felt safe." Pretty soon Captain Harper came up, 
and the rebels came back again, this time in larger force, and, 
after a sharp fight, our whole command was driven over the 
river. At this time Captain Carpenter was rear guard, and fought 
the enemy by platoons. The Second Iowa had already crossed 
by an old ford, which Colonel Horton had discovered the da} r be- 
fore, through which he had a short time before rushed over the 
wagon trains of the brigade, and they then covered our retreat 
across the river. 

Captain Mock was directed to take his battalion and proceed 
four miles straight on to the Savannah road to ascertain the 
movements of the enemy, and to return and join our command 
at Bailey Springs. When Colonel Coon gave his directions to 
Captain Mock as to what he wanted done, he remarked, " That 
he thought it doubtful about his being able to camp with the 
command at Butler Creek, and that when he (Mock) returned 
he must be careful and not take the enemy for our command, for 
they were as likely to be camping there as our command would 
be, and that Captain Mock must look out and not be surprised." 
With these instructions, Captain Mock and his battalion moved 
out on a road running through heavy timber. On reaching the 
road designated by his instructions, a rebel wagon train was 
observed moving along. Under cover of the timber, Captain 
Mock approached as near as he could without being observed, 
and then charged the train with two companies, holding two 
companies in supporting distance. The rebel escort fled on our 
approach, and the train was captured with a par. ~>f the drivers. 
This capture was the headquarters train of the rebel General 
Chalmers ; but the enemy being near, and in large force, it was 
impossible to get aw^ay with the train. It was too wet to burn, 
and as there was not time to destroy — the rebels were then in 
sight — the train was plundered, and partially destroyed. The 
drivers, mules, and as much plunder as they could carry were 
taken possession of, and the command started back the same 
way they ,came. By this time the rebel soldiers were upon them, 
and opened fire. The road being through heavy timber, and 
wide enough for only one company in line covering the whole 
road, the snjall command of Captain Mock presented as strong 



L38 IIISTOKV OF THE 

a limit as the rebels, and held them in check, while his command 
moved back at their leisure. Among the trophies captured were 
two large garrison flags, which were supposed to belong to head- 
quarters. The command moved hack- — the rear company skir- 
mishine with the enemy all the time — until we neared the place 
where we left the coiimiand at the cross roads. Here the advance 
guard ran into the rebels, and found them in force, and dis- 
covered that they had driven our main command away, and 
were occupying that place themselves. The rebels opened fire 
on our advance, and thus this battalion was attacked in both 
front and rear. It was also discovered that the rebels were 
hct ween our little force and the main command, which meant 
very evidently that the battalion was cut off, and must get out 
of a bad scrape the best way they could. When Captain Mock 
captured the train, and saw the rebels coming, he sent back a 
courier to Colonel Coon to inform him what had been done; 
hut the courier never reached Colonel Coon, as he ran into some 
rebels, and was captured. 

The command then left the road, and, turning into the 
woods, had only to meet the enemy and defend from one di- 
rection, and soon left them in the rear. Moving through the 
woods some distance, a heavy rebel column was seen moving" on 
another road. The command still in the woods under cover was 
halted: and, after the rear of the column had passed, four men 
were sent forward to reconnoiter. When these four soldiers reached 
the road, two rebel soldiers came riding along, and were taken 
prisoners, and brought hack in the woods to Captain Mock. They 
proved to be the bearers of important dispatches from the rebel 
Genera] Forrest, giving the details of their intended movement 
<>n Nashville, and which dispatches also gave the information 
that the rebels were making a general advance that day, and 
would move up to and camp at Shoal Creek that night. This 
was not pleasing intelligence, as it was then known that they 
would have pickets at every ford that would prevent the com- 
mand from crossing back to the main body, which it was now 
known must have been driven hack across the Shoal Creek. 
Consequently this battalion was left alone on the enemy's side 
<»f the stream, which could only he forded at certain places, and 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 139 

could easily be picketed. At this time. Captain Mock had a 
realizing sense that his troopers were cut off from our own 
command, and that there was no hope of succor from our forces, 
who had undoubtedly been driven over the river. He also 
realized more fully the caution Colonel Coon had given him 
in the morning. To avoid the enemy, he was obliged to keep 
off and away from the main roads, and follow out-of-the-way 
or blind roads, through the woods, making his way up stream. 
He had not gone far before he again came in sight of another 
rebel column moving on another road leading toward the river ; 
again halted the command in the woods until the rear of the 
rebel column had passed, then sent two men forward to the 
road to see if any more rebels were coming; if not, they were to 
beckon him to come on. The command was instructed to close 
up, and that when we moved we should go rapidly, and for them 
to keep closed up. Lieutenant Hillier, with his Company A, was 
the rear guard ; and, while w r e were halted, Lieutenant Hillier, 
with ten men of his company, were faced to the rear, and when 
ready to cross the road, Captain Mock sent his orderly (Orville 
Broad) back to tell the companies to move forward rapidly. 
Lieutenant Hillier mistook the order, and, being faced to the 
rear, instead of following us and moving forward, moved to 
the rear, and was cut off with his ten men. After marching and 
wandering through the woods the rest of the day and night, suc- 
cessfully avoiding the enemy, he found a crossing, and returned to 
the command about daylight. 

The two men, on reaching the road, not seeing any of the 
enemy, signaled for us to come on ; but a few rods back there was 
a bend in the road and they could not see very far, and as the 
rear of our column was crossing the road, the head of the rebel 
column was upon us and came in contact with our rear, and our 
boys, thinking them a part of our command, rode right into them. 
A few were captured and some of the others, getting away from 
the rebels, were cut off from the command, and, abandoning their 
horses, concealing themselves during the day, and traveling by 
night, succeeded in joining our camp, some of them after ten days' 
hiding. After crossing this road and going some distance over a 
hilly, rocky country hunting for a road, we came in sight of a log 



[40 HISTORY OF THE 

cabin. Eere were found a woman and a boy about fourteen years 
old, and on inquiring the direction to Bailey Springs, she gave it 
to be seven miles distant with no direct road, only a path through 
the wood, and many paths leading in all directions. Inquiring 
of the boy it' he knew the way there, he said, "he did." It was 
now near dark, and Captain Mock feared they could not find the 
way. so he asked the boy to go with them. 

The mother asked if we were Yankees and was answered 
•• n..." The boy was anxious to go with us, and Captain Mock 
ordered one of the boys to bring up a mule for him to ride. Then 
his mother began to cry, and was informed "she had nothing to 
fear, that the boy would come back all right." She then said "I 
believe you un's are Yankees." Captain Mock asked her why 
she thought so. She said, "You un's don't talk like we un's and 
voiir hair is shorter than our boys." Mock assured her that they 
belonged to Forrest's cavalry and that it would not be safe for 
any Yankees to be on that side of the river. At this very mo- 
menl a rebel column was marching by only a short distance away. 
A o.iin starting out, it was not long before the command came to 
a road across our pathway full of rebels; with the boy now with 
them, they passed to the left and crossed the road. This threw 
the party off the direction and they then struck out for the river. 
By this time it was dark, and they within one mile of the river. 
The command came to the rebel camps. The night was very 
dark : tiny passed not more than one hundred yards from where 
tli«' rebel soldiers were sitting around their fires and in their 
• amps. Going down a steep hill orembankment, Lieutenant Clark's 
horse stumbled and the horse and rider rolled down the hill, and 
anol her time a horse got astride a log, and it took considerable time 
to extricate him from his difficulty. After passing their camps, 
they came to the rebel chain guard. Here they passed between 
two videttes not more than seventy-five yards away, and right 
bel wem those two rebel videttes there was an eight-rail fence, and 
some of the boys (Volney S. Wilkinson, of Company K, was one) 
dismount,^ and quietly laid down the fence, and our boys passed 
through without attracting the attention of the videttes. After 
crossing the fence they struck the river bottom, and about a quar- 
ter of ; , mile back from the river came in sight of the fire of the 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 141 

reserve of the rebel picket at the river, moved by their flank and 
came to the river abont 9 o'clock p. m. Here a few men were 
dismounted and quietly moved up the stream, and soon came near 
enough to hear the rebel pickets talking, and feeling that the Con- 
federate troops were apprised of a body of Eederal troops being 
on that side of the river and would be on the lookout for us, it 
was necessary to be very careful. All then staited down the 
stream, and Volney S. "Wilkinson undertook to swim his horse 
across, but when he reached the opposite bank, he found it so 
steep, and it was so dark, that he could not get out, and, being 
obliged to swim back, came near losing his life. They then 
marched down the river still farther, and came to a plantation, 
and the rebels were in camp the other side of the house. A few 
men were here dismounted, and, going quietly to some negro 
quarters, succeeded in finding a darky. It took some time to 
convince the darky and his wife that they were Yankees. This 
negro expressed much surprise at seeing us here, and said " that 
Marsa's house was full of rebel officers," and that there was no 
other ford where we could cross except above where the rebel 
pickets were, and down at Cowpen Mills. The darky was brought 
out and finally said that " he thought he knew a ford where there 
was no ford" a private out-of-the-way ford where we could cross, 
but on arriving at the place it was found that the river was so 
swollen and high that the command could not cross. It was then 
determined to go back up the river, rest until near daylight and 
then force or capture the guard and cross if possible, as this seemed 
to be our only hope of getting back to our friends. At about 4 
o'clock in the morning, the command again mounted, and started 
for the ford, a short distance from our resting-place; moving 
along quietly, and expecting every moment a volley from the 
rebel pickets. Captain Mock instructed the advance guard that if 
the enemy fired upon them or discovered their presence, they should 
charge them and drive them away from the ford, and hold them back 
until we crossed. To the utter surprise and pleasure of this tired 
and valiant little command, they moved to the ford and crossed 
without seeing or hearing a rebel. This was the same place 
where our brigade had been driven back in the afternoon before, 
and the same place where they heard the pickets talking in the 



I | L < HISTORY OF THE 

early part <>t the evening, and near where Adjutant W. A. Power 
bad been concealed, and swam across the river, he also hav- 
ing been within hearing of the rebel pickets. Fortunately for 
our boys, the rebel pickets were stationed on a bluff a short dis- 
tance back from tlje river. From this place the boy and the 
darky were mounted on a mule and sent back, though they both 
wanted " to go with the Yankees." Although across Shoal Creek, 
it was by no means certain the command was at all safe yet. 
Captain Mock moved cautiously about half a mile, and, coming to 
.i house, called a man out and inquired of him " what troops had 
crossed there." He, not knowing whether our party were rebels 
or Yankees, was slow in answering, and Captain Mock, becoming 
impatient, demanded of him "what command had crossed and 
where they were." Just then the door opened and a voice said, 
"Captain Mock, is that you?'' It was Adjutant Power, and that 
explained why the man avoided our questions. Adjutant Power 
was there drying his clothes; he was glad to meet us, and we for 
the first time after very many hours felt that we were safe within 
our own lines. A mule was furnished Lieutenant Power, and the 
command started for the camps of the brigade, five miles distant. 
It was at this time coming daylight. Lieutenant Hillier had in 
the meantime reached camp, and the regiment and brigade were 
feeling very much disturbed over the loss of four companies. The 
rest is best told in the language of Captain Mock. 

We approached the pickets of the brigade (Company C, of 
th< Xi nth), and when they saw it was us, what a shout of wel- 
come they gave us. Their shout was heard by the command. 
An orderly was sent out by Colonel Coon to ascertain the cause; 
when we met him he wheeled about, went back and informed 
them of our arrival. Oh! such a shout of welcome from the whole 
brigade. / never felt better in all my life than I did then. I 
reported to ( Jolonel Coon and showed my dispatches. He handed 
back the dispatches and ordered me to report at once to General 
Batch, about one mile distant. On reporting to and handing 
Genera] Hatch the dispatches, when he read them he said "it 
furnished him the very information he was sent there to find out." 
He ordered his bugler to sound "To horse," and the whole corn- 
man. I started hack lively, on the gallop part of the time, to Lex- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 143 

ngton, arriving there just in time to prevent being cut off, or per- 
mitting a rebel force from gaining our rear. 

At several times during the day, the command of Captain Mock 
was in plain sight of the enemy, who evidently thought they 
were their own men, as it was a rainy, dark day, and our men had 
on rubber coats or blankets, so their blue coats did not show, and 
they did not expect any Yankees on that side of the river; had it 
been a clear day, it would have been almost an impossibility to 
have escaped capture. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

Lawrenceburg — Captain McMannis' Brave Fight — Campbells- 
ville — Captain Harper Again in Command — Five Ser 
geants Killed and Many Others Killed and Wounded — 
Columbia — The Fight at Franklin — Forrest Driven Back 
Over the River — Extract From Hood's Book — The Cav- 
alry at Nashville — In Camp at Edgefield. 

NOVEMBER 22d. On the military road in the fore part of 
the day, the Cavalry was camped north of Lawrenceburg, 
and the Confederates in large force drove our Cavalry out of town, 
and the command fell back on the Pulaski road. A strong picket 
had been posted on the south side of town, north of the creek. 
This picket was composed of a battalion of the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry and four companies of the Second Iowa Cavalry under 
Captain Bundy. The whole was under the command of Captain 
McMannis of the Ninth. They had not been here long when they 
were attacked furiously by the enemy, and the light was stubborn. 
The rebs, though in superior force, could not make any headway, 
and were obliged to bring up their infantry and artillery, and 
after six hours, severe fighting, in which the enemy used their 
artillery freely, Captain McMannis gave the order to fall back to 
the main command north of the town. This was about 4 o'clock 
p. m. Here the whole command came into action as the enemy 
advanced in large force, and the artillery was brought into play 
on both sides. The battle raged with considerable violence, the 
'rebels pressing sharply upon our lines. The fight lasted until 
dark, and at the last the Sixth Illinois Cavalry gallantly defended 
the rear, hard pressed by the enemy, when we fell back about 
four miles and went into camp on the Pulaski road. 

At this place, though the fight had lasted nearly all day, our 
loss was not large, as our boys managed to protect themselves 
from the enemy by the unevenness of the ground and the wash- 
outs, as they would seek places of shelter when they observed the 

144 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 145 

enemy about to fire his artillery. In this affair the battalion 
under the command of Captain McMannis. with the five compa- 
nies of the Second Iowa, had a long-continued contest with the 
enemy, who had brought up their infantry and artillery against 
them and were engaged from 10 a. m. till dark, having joined the 
main command in the afternoon. The Ninth, with the Second 
Iowa and Sixth Illinois Cavalry, this day bore the brunt of the 
battle right gallantly. 

The 23d of November, drew rations (three days') and marched 
out on the Columbia road and camped. November 2-tth, moved 
out early and passed through Hamilton, and halted for breakfast 
at Campbellsville, Tenn. Here the rebels came upon us, opening- 
fire upon our pickets; we started to the north, but the enemy had 
marched a part of their command around and ahead of us. At 
this time Captain Blackburn had again been relieved from the 
command of the Regiment, and Captain Harper was again in com- 
mand. The rebels having intercepted our advanced brigade, the 
First, commanded by Colonel Wells, we turned our course and 
moved east or northeast on a road running to Lynnville on the 
pike. This road ran through a deep and narrow path with high, 
steep and impassable hills on each side. This narrow pass led into 
a valley about two hundred yards wide. As the command was then 
placed, the Ninth was in the rear of our brigade, and the First 
Brigade was in our rear, and this move was their only chance of 
escape from capture. * 

The rebels were advancing up this valley when the Ninth 
came into the valley from the path. They halted and formed in 
line ready for action. Four companies of our Regiment under Cap- 
tain McMannis were thrown in line and mounted to the left of the 
valley over the high ridge to protect our left and flank, on that side. 
The other eight companies were dismounted, and under the im- 
mediate command of Captain Mock were thrown in line across 
the valley. These eight companies drove the rebels back about 
two hundred yards beyond the farmhouse, and several small out- 
houses, and an orchard, took position, and formed their lines behind 
these buildings and the orchard fence, and, with a firm determi- 
nation to fight it out on that line as long- as possible, his instruc- 
tions being to "hold at all hazards." It was less than one hun- 
10 



14G HISTORY OF THE 

dred yards across this orchard, and the rebels soon rallied, and 
with augmented numbers again advanced, and when within easy 
range our boys opened a heavy fire upon them ; but on they came 
in good order with the evident intention of charging across the 
orchard, but when they got to the fence our fire made it so hot for 
them that they dared not attempt to move across the open field, 
and laid down behind the fence. Soon another rebel line was 
seen advancing to the fence, and then both lines attempted to 
climb the fence, and advance on our boys ; but again they found 
it too hot for them, and they, too, laid under cover of the fence. 
The firing w T as constant on both sides, and each attempted to 
strengthen their position by taking off the top rails and stopping 
up the cracks. Twice Captain Mock sent w T ord back to Captain 
Harper, that it would be impossible for him to hold his position 
much longer, and soon seeing a third line forming to advance upon 
his little band, he again, for the third time, sent word to Captain 
Harper that the rebels were again advancing, and it would be im- 
possible for him to hold his position any longer, as the rebels were 
in very heavy force, and his ammunition was giving out; but 
each time was informed by Captain Harper that it was General 
Hatch's orders that it must beheld at all hazards. Our boys had 
all confidence in General Hatch, and knew that when such orders 
were given there were some very urgent reasons for them, and 
that, for some reason to them unknown, it must be a necessity. 
Captain Mock told his men " to take good aim, shoot low, and 
make every shot count. 1 ' When the third line reached the fence 
the others rose up, and all advanced. It was indeed a formidable 
force for our little band of eight companies to withstand, but the 
orders were imperative u to hold at all hazards." But on the rebels 
came almost in solid line, on, on, they swept across the field, 
our fire was weakening, for not much ammunition was left, yet 
this brave, this heroic little band, under the eye of the gallant 
Captain Mock, did not flinch. They held their position against 
that overwhelming force advancing and ready to pounce upon 
them ; they did not for an instant falter, but right well and gal 
lantly did they hold their line at the fence until that fence alone 
separated them from the enemy, and our brave boys and their op- 
ponents were fighting in a hand-to-hand conflict with their guns 




•JDHN T, SHDWALTER, 

Lieutenant Company B. 
(Now Major of 2nd Kansas, N. G.) 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 147 

clubbed. A few straggling shots were now all our boys had to 
give the enemy, and it was either fall back or surrender. Captain 
Mock then, to save his command from certain destruction, gave 
the order, " Fall back.'" This, too, was a terrible ordeal, for the 
rear was an open meadow without any cover or support for a 
half mile, and while falling back they were exposed to the unob- 
structed fire of the enemy. Had these eight companies been 
supplied with plent}^ of ammunition, it seemed they had pluck 
enough to have made it too hot for any number of the enemy 
to have attempted to have crossed that orchard. Some of the 
Ninth boys had gone into the outhouses to be under cover, and 
fired from the windows and cracks ; but when the line at the 
fence suddenty gave way and fell back, many of those in the 
buildings were unable to get out, and some were killed while 
others were captured. During the early part of the light, while 
our forces were driving the rebels back, two women and two 
or three children were in the large house which was between the 
two fires, and during the hottest of the firing these women and 
children ran out of the house between our lines for the hill. Both 
sides, by one impulse, ceased firing until these women and chil- 
dren had passed out from between the two lines. When this 
command started to fall back, as Captain Mock was passing one 
of the outhouses, a flanking party of rebs, who had come up on 
the other side of this building, saw him, and one of the soldiers 
said, " There goes an officer ; shoot the damn Yankee," and two 
or three pulled up their guns and fired ; but the Captain heard 
them in time, and suddenly changed his course, and, jumping to 
one side, narrowly escaped. It was a close call. 

While these eight companies were having such hot work, 
the battalion, under the gallant Captain McMannis, were having 
their hands full on the ridge at the left, he having dismounted 
his four companies, and, throwing them forward, was holding 
a much larger body of the enemy back, and the firing was steady 
and hot. Finally, they fell back to where their horses were in 
the rear, the rebels in strong force almost upon them ; but just 
as steady as a regiment on dress parade was this little band ; 
the horses were in line ; and, at the word of command, each 
trooper vaulted into the saddle, and the command, " Left wheel/' 



148 HISTORY OF THE 

was given, and with a parting shot they fell hack to their sup- 
port. 

It was here that Lieutenant Carpenter, the gallant officer 
commanding Company L, received a shot in the thigh. He at 
first thought it was a gun swinging from a comrade's saddle that 
had struck him ; but on examination found that a bullet was im- 
bedded in the flesh. It was not so deep but that he picked it out 
and found the wound was not of a serious character. 

Bv this time the brigade in our rear had passed by to a place 
of safety ; the gallant and firm staud and hard fighting of the 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry had saved them from capture. When 
we fell back, the gallant Second Iowa Cavalry, under the brave 
Major Horton, were in line, and ready to take our place in the 
rear, and for some time stubbornly held the large body of rebels 
back. The Second Iowa, less than five hundred men, were here 
dismounted, seeking such cover as was possible, and with their 
seven-shooting carbines met the charging rebels with such a 
storm of lead that they were at the first checked in their ad- 
vance; but, as heavy reinforcements came up, the Second Iowa 
were obliged to give way, and the order to retire was given. At 
this place Major Moore was in command of the right line, and 
found the enem} 7 in his rear, and that he was cut off from his 
men and horses. It being impossible for him to escape by the 
road, he fell back to the right and rear, and after a running- 
fight of nearly four miles reached our command in safety. In 
this fight at Campbellville, our losses in killed were : Thomas 
Matsel, Sergeant of Company C ; Marcellis Covill, Sergeant of 
Company F ; Eobert Henderson, Sergeant of Company G ; Will- 
iam J. Teas, Sergeant of Company I ; Stephen Meloy, Eobert 
Peters, Horatio B. Hessey, all of Company I, and a number 
of others whose names I cannot obtain, besides twenty-seven 
wounded and prisoners. 

In this engagement, the Ninth Regiment Illinois Cavalry was 
commanded by Captain J. W. Harper, and in the hard fighting 
the Ninth was called upon to perform he was prompt and cool 
in handling his command; while the battalion commanders, 
Captains Mock and McMannis, gallantly and bravely held 
their commands steadily in the hottest places in which they 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 149 

were ever placed, and while the brave and gallant officers and 
men were fighting the enemy, the conduct of all was worthy 
of the highest praise. 

BY D. I,. TALCOTT. 

Undoubtedly, one of the hottest band-to-hand conflicts ever experienced by 
members of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry was on the 24th of November, 1864, at or 
near Campbellsville, Tenn., where a whole brigade of the enemy made a rush for 
them as they were dismounting and preparing to hold a gap or narrow gorge in 
the road. In this action the Ninth lost some thirty men in about twenty minutes, 
Company I losing twelve or fifteen. Franklin C. Hayes, John Tipping, Alfred 
McDode, Miles H. Strong and D. L. Talcott were taken prisoners, unwounded. 
Strong was shot in the hip after having surrendered. The Johnny Reb that shot 
him turned to shoot Talcott, when his revolver was knocked from his hand by a 
rebel lieutenant, who cursed him soundly for shooting men who had surrendered 
and were unarmed. Among those of Company I who fell in this action was the 
big sergeant, William Teas, shot through the breast. To his captured comrades 
he said, when dying : "If ever you meet our boys again, tell them where I was 
shot, how I died, and tell them good-bye for me." He faced death calmly and 
bravely; with a grasp of the hand he bid them a last farewell. Then there was 
the brave and gritty little Scotchman, Robert Peter (whose term of service had 
expired some days before), who soon expected to go home to care for his aged and 
feeble parents, who had all these three long years of his service needed him, the 
filial love he bore for them being the only reason he did not veteranize. Horatio 
B. Hersey, the quiet and trusty, and Stephen Maloy, the little giant, were killed 
instantly. Michael Fade had a knee shattered, and Tom Anderson lost an eye 
(the right, I think). The wounded prisoners were left by the enemy, and I believe 
were afterward brought inside of the Union lines. MeDrde was taken sick and 
died while en route to a Southern prison. Talcott, Hayes and Tipping were sent 
to Andersonville prison, Georgia, and I believe all survived. 

November 25th. The Regiment crossed Duck River at Colum- 
bia, and camped two miles from town, skirmishing along the 
lines in the afternoon. An inspection at this time showed that 
a large part of the horses of the command had the greaseheel, 
caused by the almost constant rains and so often fording the 
streams, and the gravel and lime water they had been marching 
in so long, so that really we had a very incomplete mount for 
the Ninth. 

General Hatch, in view of the hard service his command had 
endured, and the valiant exploits performed, and more par- 
ticularly in consideration of the condition of the horses, was 
given the opportunity to proceed to Nashville for rest and a 
remount ; but the General, not being inclined to retire as long as 



150 HISTORY OF THE 

there was an enemy close by, asked for and obtained permission 
to move his division into the country, and press horses from the 
citizens. The division marched northeast eight miles, and small 
squads were sent out in every direction for horses, and with so 
much success that in a few days the Ninth were again nearly all 
mounted on good horses. 

On the 28th, the command moved to the Shelby ville pike, 
and lay in line of battle all night. On the 29th, marched to 
Mount Oarmel, and relieved General Croxton in the rear, as he 
was hard pressed by the enemy. The Second Brigade, Colonel 
Coon commanding, held the fortifications here for an hour or 
more, then was ordered to retire, the enemy following until they 
found they could not make any impression upon our boys, armed 
as we were with repeating carbines, and so readily thrown into 
line of battle ; we marched to Franklin with no further pursuit, 
and camped there the same day. 

The cavalry command had in all these days been in our rear 
and in front of Hood's army, holding the enemy in check in 
order that our large trains could reach the roads to Nashville ; 
and, as these roads were in a terrible condition, owing to the 
heavy rains of the past week, it was no light task to move the 
heavily loaded wagons, as they could move on the pike roads only. 

The whole army had now left the vicinity of Duck Eiver, and 
had of course evacuated Columbia. The cavalry command, of which 
the Ninth formed a part, moved camp November 30th, three 
miles east of the town of Franklin, and drew three days' rations. 

FRANKLIN. 

A little past 3 o'clock p. m., the rebels began the attack on our 
line by repeated charges of the fiercest and most determined char- 
acter, and while the infantry were engaged in what has justly, 
and truly been termed "the bloodiest battle of the war," consid- 
ering the length of its duration and the numbers engaged, Gen- 
eral Forrest with his cavalry had crossed the river east of town, and 
made determined and repeated attacks on our cavalry, which was 
on that side, ever on the watch for their enemy. General Hatch, 
with all the available force of the Fifth Division, assisted by Gen- 
eral Croxton, was ready for him, and hurled Forrest's cavalry 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 151 

back after severe and hard fighting; from our flanks, and though 
he made repeated attempts to break through our lines in the en- 
deavor to strike our moving troops and wagons on the pike, he 
could not force a passage and was driven back to and over the 
Harpeth River. At the same time the battle was raging with great 
violence all along the line, and as the rebels made brave and desper- 
ate charges on our lines, carrying some of them by the impetuosity 
of their tried and desperate veteran troops, led by the best officers 
of their command and losing fearfully in numbers in each charge; 
while some of their general officers were killed at the head of 
their advancing column or in the vain endeavor to carry and hold 
the outer works of the Union lines. The battle at times became 
a hand-to-hand struggle, and, as Hood says in his report, "Some 
of the rebels were lifted by the hair of their heads over the works, 
and taken prisoners." 

The loss at Franklin on the Union side was about sixteen hun- 
dred, and that of the Confederates in the neighborhood of six 
thousand. General Hood's claim that the losses were about equal 
would appear to be very wide of mark, for lie admits in his official 
report a loss in this battle of forty -five hundred, including in the 
kdled : Major-General Clebourne, and Brigadier-Generals Gist, 
Adams, Strehl and Cranberry ; and the wounded : Major-General 
Brown and Brigadier-Generals Carter, Mannigault, Quales, Cock" 
rell, Scott ; and captured : Major-General Gordon. 

General N. B. Forrest says their loss here was six thou- 
sand. 

After the battle of Franklin, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry 
marched to Nashville, and went into Camp Edgefield, where w T as 
found the remnant of the Regiment which had arrived from Mem- 
phis a few days previous, bring the camp equipage, etc., so that 
once more the boys could be comparatively comfortable after a 
long and arclous campaign of sixty-four days. 

I deem it interesting in this place to make some extracts from 
a work published in 1880, entitled the "Advance and Retreat," 
by Lieutenant-General J. B. Hood, in which is recounted so many 
reasons to show why he did not succeed in winning battles, and 
in which he lays the blame of his many reverses to the disobedi- 
ence of orders and lukewarm support of his subordinate com- 



152 HISTORY OF THE 

manders; also to show how prone he was to exaggerate the num- 
bers opposed and the obstacles thrown in his way. 

Writing of the battle at Franklin, November 30, he says: "At 
early dawn the troops were put in motion in the direction of 
Franklin, marching as rapidly as possible to overtake the enemy 
before he crossed the Big Harpeth, eighteen miles from Spring 
Hill. Lieutenant- General Lee had crossed Duck River after dark 
the night previous, and in order to reach Franklin was obliged to 
march thirty miles. The head of his column arrived at Spring 
Hill at 9 a. m. on the 30th, and after a short rest followed in 
the wake of the main body. A sudden change in sentiment here 
took place among officers and men; the army became metamor- 
phosed, as it were, in one night ; a general feeling of mortification 
and disappointment prevailed in its ranks. The troops appeared to 
recognize that a rare opportunity had been totally disregarded, 
and manifested seemingly a determination to retrieve if possible 
the fearful blunders of the previous afternoon and night. 

The feeling existed, which sometimes induces men, who have 
long been wedded to but one policy to look beyond the sphere of 
their own convictions, and at least be willing to make trial of 
another course of action. 

" Stewart's corps was first in order of march. Cheatham fol- 
lowed immediately, and Lieutenant-General Lee in the rear. Within 
about three miles of Franklin, the enemy was discovered on the 
ridge, over which passes the turnpike. As soon as the Confeder- 
ates began to deploy and skirmishers were thrown forward, the 
Federals slowly withdrew to the environs of the town. It was 
about 3 p. m. when Lieutenant-General Stewart moved to the 
right of the pike, and began to establish his position in the front 
of the enemy. Major-General Cheatham's, as it arrived in town, 
filed off to the left of the road, and was disposed in line of battle. 
The artillery was instructed to take no part in the engagement, on 
account of the danger to which the women and children in the 
village would be exposed. General Forrest was ordered to post 
cavalry on both flanks, and, if the assault proved successful, to 
complete the ruin of the enemy by capturing those who attempted 
to escape in the direction of Nashville. Lee's corps, as it arrived, 
was held in reserve, owing to the lateness of the hour and my in- 
ability to post it on the extreme left. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 153 

" Schofield's position was rendered favorable for defense by 
open ground in front, and temporary intrenchments, which the 
Federals had thrown up, notwithstanding the Confederates had 
inarched in pursuit with all possible speed. At one or two points 
along the short space, a slight abatis had been hastily constructed, 
by felling some small locust saplings in the vicinity. Soon after 
Cheatham's Corps was massed on the left, Major-General Cle- 
bourne came to me where I was seated on my horse in rear of the 
line, and asked permission to form his division in two, or, if I 
remember correctly, three lines for the assault. I at once granted 
his request, stating that I desired the Federals to be driven into 
the river in their immediate rear, and directing him to advise me 
as soon as he had completed the new disposition of his troops. 
Shortly afterward Cheatham and Stewart reported all in readi- 
ness for action, and received orders to drive the enemy from his 
position and into the river, at all hazards. About that time Cle- 
bourne returned, expressing himself with an enthusiasm which he 
had never before betrayed in our intercourse, and said ' General, I 
am ready, and have more hope in final success of our cause than I 
have had at any time since the first gun was fired.' I replied, 
' God grant it.' He turned and moved at once toward the head 
of his division ; a few moments thereafter he was lost to my sight 
amid the tumult of battle. These last words spoken to me by 
this brave and distinguished soldier, I have often recalled ; they 
they can never leave ray memory, as within forty minutes after 
he uttered them, he lay lifeless upon or near the breastworks of 
the foe. The two corps advanced in battle array at about 4 p. m., 
and soon swept away the first lines of the Federals, who were 
driven back upon the main line. At this moment resounded a con- 
centrated roar of musketry, which recalled to me some of the 
deadliest battles of Virginia, and which now proclaimed that the 
possession of Nashville was once more dependent upon the fort- 
unes of war. The conflict continued to rage with intense fury. 
Our troops succeeded in breaking the main line in one or more 
points, capturing and turning some of the guns upon their oppo- 
nents. Just at this critical moment of the battle, a brigade of 
the enemy, reported to have been Stanley's, gallantly charged and 
restored the Federal line, capturing at the same time about one 



154 HISTORY OF THB 

thousand of our troops within the intrenchments ; still the ground 
was obstinately contested, and at several points upon the imme- 
diate sides of the breastworks, the combatants endeavored to use 
the musket upon one another by inverting and raising it perpen- 
dicularly in order to fire ; neither antagonist at this junction was 
able to retreat without almost a certainty of death. 

It was reported that soldiers were even dragged from one side 
to the other of the breastworks, by men reaching over hurriedly 
and seizing their enemy by the hair or collar. Just before dark 
Johnston's division of Lee's corps moved gallantly to the support 
of Cheatham ; although it made a desperate fight and succeeded 
in capturing three stands of colors, it did not effect a permanent 
breach in the line of the enemy. 

The two remaining divisions could not, unfortunately, become 
engaged, owing to the obscurity of night. The struggle con- 
tinued with more or less violence until 9 p. m., when followed 
skirmishing and much desultory firing until about 3 a. m. the 
ensuing morning. The enemy then withdrew, leaving their dead 
and wounded upon the field. 

Thus terminated one of the fiercest conflicts of the war. 

The remnant of the Regiment, when the Ninth left White's 
Station, September 30th, moved into Memphis October 10th, as it 
was not considered safe for so small a command to remain out- 
side. Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh came back from his trip north 
and took command of what was here left of our cavalry divis 
ion. 

Memphis was then excited over an anticipated raid by Forrest, 
and the city was put in a state of defense ; streets were barricaded 
with bales of cotton, hay, etc.; but as there was quite an army 
there General Forrest did not appear. 

November 17th, the detachment of cavalry left Memphis on the 
steamer Kate Hart bound for Nashville, where it was expected to 
join the main part of the division of General Hatch. 

We reached Cairo on the 21st and immediately reshipped on 
the fine large boat John II Grosebeck for Nashville, Colonel 
John Lynch, of the the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, in command of our 
remnant. The detachment from Memphis arrived at Nashville 
November 21th, the very day of the fight of Campbellsville 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 155 

where the Regiment had such hard fighting- and lost so large a 
number of men. 

Here we found our former Colonel Brackett, Inspector-Gen- 
eral for General Sherman. 

The Cavalry were to go into camp some four miles from the 
city, across the Cumberland River, at Edgefield. We here learned 
that the gallant Ninth, for some time under the command of the 
brave and dashing Captain Harper, had had hard fighting and 
had distinguished itself, day after day, as a brave and gallant 
Regiment. 

General Hatch said : " The Ninth Illinois Cavalry fight like 
devils, and are the best Regiment in my division."' 

This command had been enlarged and was composed of twelve 
regiments or about six thousand cavalry. The campaign had 
lasted sixty-four days when the command reached Nashville. 

While the cavalry command of General Wilson was encamped 
at Edgefield, across the Cumberland River from Nashville, there 
was a sudden change in the weather, which became very cold, 
and much suffering was experienced by our boys in camp, more 
especially as stringent orders had been issued against cutting trees. 

Had our brave soldiers not been able to procure by foraging 
some little fuel, the hardships then endured would have been much 
greater. As it was, the Cavalry boys were glad of an order to 
move, which came December 12th, when the command recrossed 
the Cumberland to Nashville and camped in an open field east of 
of the city. Then as the weather moderated somewhat the mud 
became more of a nuisance than the cold recently endured. Here we 
wallowed- for three days, and were not sorry when the order came 
to exchange our disagreeable camping-ground for the more 
dangeroug and exciting scenes of the coming battle. 



CHAPTEE XIX. 

The Battle of Nashville — Brentwood — Franklin Pike — 
Rutherford Creek — Sugar Creek — Big Creek — Boss' 
Farm. 

THE battle of Nashville, December 15th and 16th, 1864. 
"What memories do these few words bring up to every Fed- 
eral soldier who had the honor to be present on those eventful 
days % 

The glorious victory has been so oft and graphically described 
that I shall not attempt to give anything more than a brief 
account of some of the part taken by the cavalry division, of 
which the Ninth Illinois Cavalry Begiment formed a part. To 
Gen. Jas. H. Wilson's Cavalry Corps was, in these eventful days, 
assigned the position of honor in the field, the extreme right, and 
to them was given the task of sweeping forward and around to the 
left of Hood's army, which was on this side strongly entrenched 
behind fortified hills, and embankments, and redoubts in great 
numbers. How viyidly the scene of that dull December morning- 
rises before me; then later, as the sun slowly emerged and forced 
his rays through the banks of fog and mist, they slowly rolled 
back as a curtain, and the field spread out, an uneven surface 
made up of hill and dale. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, commanded by Colonel Joseph W. 
Harper, formed a part of the old Second Brigade, composed of 
the Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Illinois,and the Second Iowa Cavalry, 
commanded by Major Horton. The brigade commanded by 
Colonal D. E. Coon, formed a part of the Fifth Division Cavalry 
Corps, the division being under the command of Brigadier- 
General Edward Hatch, and the cavalry corps commanded by 
Brevet Major-General James H. Wilson. As mentioned, the cav- 
alry formed the extreme right of that long Union line. At our 
left, their right resting against our Cavalry, were the tried and 

156 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 157 

gallant veterans of the Sixteenth Army Corps, under the leader- 
ship of Major-General A. J. Smith. At 4 o'clock on the morning 
of the 15th, reveille sounded in the camp of the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry, and ere daylight the Regiment was slowly moving out 
of camp On everv hand was seen the active movement of a 
laro-earmy. The sun had barely risen, but was obscured by a 
dense fog that hung over the city like a pall, the ground yet icy, 
but slowly giving way to the more humid atmosphere. 

Never did a large, army move out upon an enemy supposed to 
be equal or more in numbers, and one who had had ample time 
and opportunity to select their own line and ground of defense, 
than did this grand army commanded by Major-General George II. 
Thomas. Notwithstanding the lack of confidence shown him by 
General Grant, the old soldiers knew him and the new ones soon 
learned his merit. Now, on this eventful day that should show an 
army broken and falling back, all were sanguine of success. How 
much this feeling has to do with victory only those who share the 

sentiment reallv know. 

Now the long lines of the cavalry are slowly but surely work- 
ing forward and around to our right to close in on the rebel hosts. 
The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, under the leadership of the brave 
and impetuous Colonel Harper, and his gallant officers and men, 
moved out steadily along the line of Richland Creek up hill, and 
down over stumpy ground. Soon the cavalry, in the long wheel 
necessary to reach the designated position, struck the redoubts and 
abatis of the rebel army, but did not pause, but charged right up 
to and over them with a wild hurrah that sent the Johnnies flying- 
back to anew line. On dashed the cavalry, now the officers and 
men vie with each other to see who will gain the works on the 
hill first. It is well fortified and so steep that the men can hardly 
go up, and, holding their Spencers almost at a " present.' 1 begin the 
ascent, while the Confederate troops send round after round and 
volley after vollev to hold back our rushing upward tide, but they 
generally shoot too high. Here and there a poor fellow falls, struck 
by the leaden messenger, but the struggling soldiers stop not then, 
but on and up. The fort is gained, and the brave Cavalry boys 
scale the walls, and in a moment the white flag of surrender is 
aloft. General Hatch, Captain Carpenter, Lieutenant Davenport 



158 HISTORY OF THE 

and of the Second Iowa, Colonel Coon, Major Horton, Captain 
Budd and Color Sergeant Hartman, the latter shot dead on the 
parapet, are in the fort. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry claims, and 
justly, too, the honor of being first in the fort. The dead and 
wounded are on every side, and many prisoners taken. General 
Hatch, all excitement, calls for men, and orders the rebel guns 
turned on the fleeing Confederate soldiers, and, without thinking, 
orders a rebel captain of artillery to help man the guns. The 
soldier stirs not, but a look reminds the General that he is 
asking too much of a prisoner. Hatch grasps a gun, we all turn 
in and help him, and it is not long ere those same guns are belch- 
ing forth destruction to their former owners. Colonel Hill, com- 
manding a brigade of A. J. Smith's command, received orders 
about the same time to charge these, works. It was a race be- 
tween the cavalry and infantry, but the dismounted troopers 
gained the fort and were over the parapet in advance, though all 
were very nearly together, Colonel Hill falling dead at the head 
of the charging soldiers. Here was demonstrated what had been 
heretofore declared an impossibility, viz. : For cavalry even dis- 
mounted to charge and cany fortifications. We captured in this 
fort six pieces of artillery and a number of prisoners. 

This occurred on the line of the rebel forces near Hillsboro 
pike, but there were more works on this line. Two divisions of 
infantry from the Twenty -third Army Corps were ordered to 
General Smith's right and next to the Cavalry, and an advance 
was made. While this ascent was in progress, the Cavahw was 
passing forward and enlarging the circle and charged with the 
infantry on the second fortified hill, and the enemy were soon 
driven out with the loss of guns, colors, and many prisoners. 

By this time the Confederates were forced back, and the whole 
line driven to the line of intrenchments on the Granny White 
pike. The importance of these movements will be better under- 
stood when it is stated that this line was a very strong one nat- 
urally, and the Confederates had heavy guns and large forces to 
man them, as these three hills were nearly on a line with each 
other, a little farther to our left and their right. 

Not more than five minutes before our first ascent was made 
General Hood himself was in one of these forts, and gave orders 




ASS'T SURG-EQN STACY HEMENGWfiY. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 159 

to hold them at all hazards, and told his officers he would send 
five thousand men immediately to reinforce them. This he did, 
but before they arrived the works were ours, and we took in out 
of the wet a goodly proportion of those sent to their relief as 
prisoners, and if Hood had not got out pretty quick we would 
have had him, too. 

The retreating line of the enemy's left was closely followed 
by the cavalry and infantry, but as darkness came on the whole 
army bivouacked for the night, stopping just where they hap- 
pened to be. The results of the first day's light were, that Hood's 
army had been driven more than two miles from his first line of 
defense, with the loss of all the redoubts and fortifications on 
that line ; many of his soldiers were killed and wounded, and a 
large number of guns and prisoners captured, and i,n our center 
and right the Fourth and Sixteenth Army Corps, with the cav- 
alry, pressed close to his second line. 

In this day's fighting the Ninth Illinois Cavalry distinguished 
itself by the enthusiasm and dash with which both officers and 
men performed every duty (and more) that was assigned to them. 
Colonel Harper, while gallantly leading the assault on the second 
hill, received a painful wound in the arm, and the command of 
the regiment then fell upon Major Mock, who. always equal to 
the occasion, led the army on to renewed deeds of daring. Gen- 
eral Hatch and Colonel Coon were wild with exultation and 
delight over the splendid achievements of our brave cavalry 
boys. All lay down to rest that night full of suppressed excite- 
ment, with the camp-tires of the enemy in full sight, and the 
rumble of moving divisions plainly heard as Hood was busy nar- 
rowing his line and concentrating his forces for the great struggle 
of the morrow. There was no one, however, that had a doubt 
now but that we should again be the victors, and had high hopes 
that Hood's army would be annihilated. 

On the morning of the 16th, the cavalry had, by a wide 
detour, passed beyond the extreme Confederate left and secured 
a lodgment on the Granny White pike. It was hoped by Gen- 
eral Sherman that the cavalry would not be needed on the rebel 
flank, but would be enabled to march rapidly still farther to their 
rear, and thus cut off the only avenue of escape of the rebel army. 



160 HISTORY OF THE 

Just at this time, while the infantry and artillery were in hot 
action, a part of General Hatch's division of cavalry, the old 
Second Brigade, were dismounted, and, pushing their way through 
the woods, had dragged by hand two pieces of artillery up a steep 
hill, and now planted up among the clouds, from that elevation 
poured a destructive fire on the devoted heads of Bates' rebel 
division, and then the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, charging up the 
hill with their seven-shooting carbines and amid wild and trium- 
phant cheers poured volley after volley into the rebel ranks, and, 
rushing in, completed the general stampede of the enemy, and 
the works were ours. 

Later in the evening of the 16th, the rebels made a stubborn 
stand on both sides of the pike, behind stone fences, which were 
regular stone walls: the Second Brigade was in front, and the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry in advance. Colonel Coon directed Captain 
Mock to form the Ninth on the right of the pike, dismounted, 
and to charge the rebels in our front. The Ninth immediately 
dismounted and formed in line, when Colonel Coon sent word to 
Captain Mock by his Adjutant, Captain Avery, that the Twelfth 
Tennessee Cavalry would charge on the left, and that he desired 
to see which regiment would carry their position first. The 
rebel position in front of the Ninth was on quite a ridge with a 
gradual descent in front of the regiment. The Ninth now 
advanced under heavy fire from the rebels, not more than three 
hundred yards away ; this was just at dusk, and the Ninth 
advanced rapidly, firing as they moved forward; they reached 
and scaled the stone wall, and carried their position before the 
Twelfth Tennessee. 

Colonel Coon highly complimented the Veteran Ninth for so 
promptly and gallantly carrying the position. In this charge the 
Ninth took a great many prisoners, the rebels holding their posi- 
tion until the Ninth boys scaled the stone wall, and then it was 
too late for them to get away, and they surrendered in large num- 
bers. By this time it was dark, and in the confusion some of the 
rebels got away, but the most of them were taken in. It was 
just dark enough for the continuous firing of both sides to pre- 
sent a grand sight ; sheet after sheet flashed forth from the 
Ninth's Spencers and the rebel guns, equaling, if not excelling, a 
grand display of Fourth-of July fireworks. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 161 

The Twelfth Tennessee were not so fortunate in their efforts. 
Although a gallant and brave set of bo\ r s, they were unable to 
carry their position and dislodge the enemy until after the rebels 
in their front saw that the Ninth was on their flank, and gaining 
their rear, then they fled. 

After we pressed the rebels back about one mile from these 
stone walls, Colonel Coon ordered Captain Mock to move the 
Ninth to the left of the pike, and move forward in line and form 
on a line with the Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry. After the Ninth 
had crossed over to the other side of the pike and while moving 
to the front, Captain Mock, Adjutant Power, Lieutenant Carpen- 
ter and some others were riding along on the pike, feeling for the 
Twelfth Tennessee, and came to a squad of men on the pike and 
asked them " if they belonged to the Twelfth Tennessee;" they 
said " they did ; " they were then asked where their line was, and 
told us that it was there. Captain Mock then halted the Ninth 
and remained there some time. After a while they heard more 
of our troops coming up on the right of the pike, and when they 
reached the troops that the Ninth had formed line on, each de- 
manded of the other, " Who are you ? " or something like it. Then 
the clash of arms commenced. It turned out that the line the Ninth 
had formed on was the rebel Twelfth Tennessee, and the others 
were the Union Twelfth Tennessee. The rebels who were not 
then or there captured were soon put to flight, though there was 
a whole brigade of them commanded by the rebel General Rucker. 
A captain of the Twelfth Tennessee rode up to General Rucker 
and asked him " who he was ? " it was so dark one could not dis- 
tinguish friend from foe. He said, " I am General Rucker." He 
was told to surrender, but, attempting to draw his sword, was shot 
through the arm, and had his arm broken so that it had to be 
amputated.* Captain Mock supposed that our Twelfth Tennes- 
see had preceded him and were somewhere in the front, but 
they had not, and the Ninth had been there alone with the rebels 

* Captain Carpenter is very positive that the credit of the capture of General 
Rucker belongs to the Ninth, as he saw him in charge of Harry Gifford of Com- 
pany B, and Rucker told Gifford that " Forrest would soon be there and would 
capture all the Yankees." It would appear that this was true, and that Rucker 
was turned over to the Twelfth Tennessee by the Ninth for safe keeping. 
11 



162 HISTORY OF THE 

supposing that they were with their friends, while the rebel sol- 
diers did not know that the enemy was quietly resting on their 
left. 

We had all been fighting and on the go for two days, and in 
that two days of bloody battle were all tired out and anxious for 
rest, and very glad of the opportunity of keeping quiet for a little 
while, as were the rebels, and for this reason neither side took 
much pains to find out who were their neighbors. The enemy 
were making this their rallying point and re-forming to stop our 
advance, and as their troops were continually coming back, they 
naturally supposed that when the Ninth came there it was a 
part of their own force falling back, and it w T as so dark that they 
could not see if they were few or many in number. 

Captain Mock sent Lieutenant Carpenter ahead to stop our 
men from farther advance. After moving forward some dis- 
tance, he came up with some soldiers and inquired, " What 
command \ " " Seventh Alabama," was replied. . He knew they 
were rebels, but said nothing, but quietly marched along with 
them until he reached our lines, and brought in seven rebels as 
prisoners. 

In these two days of hard fighting, the Fifth Division Cav- 
alry, under the command of the gallant and intrepid General 
Hatch, had taken every gun that had been fired at them, captured 
twenty-three pieces of artillery, several stands of colors, and a 
large number of small arms and many prisoners. Colonel Coon, 
while gallantly leading a charge of the Second Brigade with his 
staff around him, and exposed to a fire from three directions (a 
hill in our front, one on the right, and a regiment of infantry 
behind a stone wall on our left), had his horse shot ; but, strange 
to say, though the poor beast was shot through, it lived until 
next morning. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, led by the gallant Colonel Harper, 
during the first day had stormed and captured two forts, and later 
in the evening and during the 16th, under the command of the 
cool and brave Lieutenant-Colonel Mock, performed so many 
deeds of valor and daring that to mention them all would be 
impossible. 

On the afternoon of December 17th the rebels made a stand 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 163 

on a ridge on the Franklin pike, and toward evening our whole 
brigade charged, mounted, and drove the enenrv, while they fell 
back a short distance and made another more desperate and 
determined stand. This was just before dark ; here we charged 
and drove them back again. In both these engagements the 
Ninth did a good deal of hard fighting, the rebels having con- 
tested every foot of ground ; our brigade was barely able to hold 
its own. Colonel Coon and Captain Avery, A. A. G., rallied the 
men, when they again advanced, this time with their horses at 
a slow walk, firing rapidly, drove the rebels so fast as to com- 
pel them to leave their three-gun battery unsupported, which 
General Hatch observing, with but a handful of followers, rushed 
forward, capturing three twelve-pound brass pieces. 

The rebels soon re-formed, and made a desperate attempt to 
recapture this battery ; but Captain Mock, with the Ninth Illlinois 
Cavalry, stubbornly and successfully resisted every advance of the 
enemy. The Ninth here fired by volleys at the word of com- 
mand. In this way, it being after dark, they prevented the 
enemy from taking advantage from the flash of our guns to 
return our fire. After repeated attempts to break through our 
lines, the Confederates withdrew, and the day was ours ; the 
field, with the enemy's killed and wounded, as also their can- 
non, being in our possession. 

Colonel Coon complimented the Ninth for the gallant manner 
in which it advanced and drove the rebels back under such a 
galling fire. 

December 19th the whole command had a hotly contested 
fight at Rutherford's Creek. The Ninth was in line with the 
whole brigade, and was engaged nearly all day. The rebels had 
destroyed the bridge, and a new one had to be built over this 
creek, which was much swollen by the recent heavy rains, before 
we could cross or advance. 

This enabled the enemy to hold their position and keep us in 
check as long as they did, and they did fight stubbornly and 
bravely at this time for the purpose of holding us in check as 
long as they possibly could, to enable their straggling forces to gain 
a safe distance on their retreat, as it was apparent to them that 
this was their last bold and desperate stand before crossing the 



164 HISTORY OF THE 

Tennessee River, infantry and cavalry on both sides being engaged 
and considerable artillery firing being indulged in. From this on 
we had skirmishing until we reached Columbia ; here there was 
considerable firing across the river, mostly by artillery. Light 
skirmishing occurred from this on until Christmas Day; we had our 
last fight, and Forrest made his last stand. This was on the hill 
near Ross' farm. The Second Brigade was passing through a 
narrow valley, just about wide enough for our Regiment to 
form a line across it. Here we found corn and fodder in abun- 
dance, and as we had not had opportunity to feed for some time, 
General Hatch halted his division, with each regiment in line 
closed up behind each other, thus showing a regimental front 
which completely filled this narrow valley. We had taken the 
bridles off our horses, and they were eating. Our brigade, 
with the Ninth Illinois Cavalry in the front, was the advance of 
our division ,with another division still in the advance of us. Gen- 
eral Forrest had laid a trap for this advance division, and they 
ran right into it. Forrest closed in on them and completely 
routed them, and sent them back whirling and disorganized upon 
us, but our blockade of the valley stopped them. The rebels 
sprang their trap too soon, or they would have surrounded and taken 
in the whole advanced division. General Wilson came riding back, 
hunting for General Hatch, who was with the Ninth, then the 
head of the column. General Wilson seemed much surprised to 
see General Hatch feeding his horses, and told him that Forrest 
had routed the advanced division and would soon be back on 
him (Hatch). General Hatch told General Wilson not to be 
alarmed, that Forrest knew too much to attempt to come back, 
and he could not get by us anyway, for we had the valle}^ block- 
aded. General Wilson then ordered General Hatch to move his 
division to the front and advance. As we moved forward, the 
Ninth in the front, and coming in sight of the hill (Ross' farm), 
we saw the rebels pulling up the hill, by hand, some artillery 
they had just captured. General Wilson kept hurrying General 
J hit eh, and when he saw the rebels pulling up this artillery he 
said to General Hatch, " There they are; hurry up!" Hatch 
then said to Wilson, " General, if you will let me take my own 
course, I will carry that hill in twenty minutes." Wilson said. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 165 

"All right; go ahead." General Hatch then ordered Captain 
Mock to dismount the Ninth, and to move up the hill on the right 
of the road, as far as he could safely, in front of the enemy, and 
to make it as hot for the rebels as he could. At the same time, 
the Seventh Illinois Cavalry was also dismounted and directed 
to advance up the hill on the left of the road and in a line with 
the Ninth. The Second Iowa Cavalry was sent mounted to our 
right, and to strike the left and rear of the enemy. The Twelfth 
Tennessee Cavalry was sent mounted around the enemy's right 
flank, and the Sixth Illinois Cavalry was left in our rear as a 
support. 

The rebels had made a strong breastwork in our front, on the 
hill, by tearing down log houses and using rails, and with the two 
had made very formidable works. The Ninth advanced up the 
hill to within seventy-five yards of the rebels, keeping up a heavy 
fire all the time as they advanced. The enemy being in too 
heavy force for the Ninth to go any farther, they remained there 
under cover of logs and trees, and kept up a heavy fire on the 
rebels to hold them there, and prevent them from reinforcing 
their Hanks, and in about twenty minutes we heard the firing and 
welcome shouts of the gallant Second Iowa coming in on the 
flank and rear of the rebels, then the Ninth rose up, and with a 
shout moved forward and carried the rebel works, and the enemy 
fell back. By this time it was dark, and the fighting ended. We 
went out some five miles and got forage, and, returning, went into 
camp on Ross' farm. 

There was captured here a number of prisoners, several pieces 
of artillery and a quantity of small arms, the latter having been 
abandoned by the enemy. 

Going back to the evening of the 16th I find that the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry followed the retreating army of Hood, and at 
Brentwood again had sharp fighting, and camped on the field. 
On the 17th reached the Franklin pike, where the rebs w T ere 
making another stand, but they could not hold their ground in 
the face of our advancing column, and the retreat continued to 
Rutherford creek, which now, owing to the continued rains and. 
melting snow and ice, was a rushing torrent. The Federal troops 
were not long, however, in crossing, finally coming to Duck 



166 HISTORY OF THE 

River, on the opposite side of which was Columbia, and we could 
see the long lines of Hood's supply trains slowly moving away. 
A sharp fire was taking place over the river. General Hatch, with 
a few staff officers and orderlies, were well in front on the skirmish 
line, and as we came in sight of the town a large number of Con- 
federate troops were seen on the opposite bank. While we halted 
a moment to view the scene the crowd parted and we saw artil- 
lery just in the act of being fired at our little squad. General 
Hatch said quickly, " Scatter, boys, they are going to shell us." 
As he spoke, the blue wreaths of smoke from their guns were seen, 
and the shot whistled over our heads. We were so close that they 
shot too high, so we galloped back unscathed. 

It was not long ere we saw a white flag approaching our line, 
and a party was sent out to meet them. They brought a message 
from General Forrest saving he wanted to meet General Hatch. 
(The bridge over Duck River had been burned by the rebels in 
November.) General Hatch soon went forward to the river side, 
and Forrest appeared on the abutment on the other side, and 
calling across, said, " You are shelling your own wounded men 
and prisoners and the women and children in the town;" also 
that "he wanted to exchange some prisoners." This simply 
showed how wily Avas the Confederate chieftain, for while Gen- 
eral Hatch was communicating with General Thomas, the Con- 
federate trains were moving away in safety. When after this 
delay the Federal soldiers finally crossed the river there was no 
one in Columbia but the wounded of both armies and the women 
and children. In " The Campaigns of General 1ST. B. Forrest," 
published in 1868, occurs the following account of this affair : 

On the morning of the 19th of December the enemy's cavalry were early 
on the field, and in formidable numbers displayed a resolute purpose to force the 
passage at Rutherford's Creek, while a considerable column was observed in 
movement, as if aiming to cross Duck river below the junction of the creek with 
it, but up to 3 p. m. they were unable to break the barrier of the creek, and mean- 
while the Confederate train and main force were safely beyond Duck river; then 
the rear guard was withdrawn southward of that stream without hindrance, and 
bivouacked on the night of the 19th at Columbia. 

There, on the morning of the 20th, Walthall's division, Stewart's corps, rein- 
forced by five other fragments of brigades, in all only nineteen hundred bayonets, 
was placed under the orders of General Forrest, as commander of the rear guard, 
and he was directed to hold the position to the last possible moment, retiring, when 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 167 

forced to do so, upon Florence by way of Pulaski, doing what was possible 
meanwhile to gain time for the remains of the Confederate army. Of Walthall's 
force at least three hundred were shoeless, and so footsore as to be unable to 
march and bear arms, and were therefore detached on the wagon train. For 
some reason the enemy did not appear in force until late in the afternoon, when, 
although Columbia was manifestly unoccupied by any part of the Confederate 
army, they opened a furious cannonade of shot and shell. 

Hoisting a flag of truce Forrest had an interview with General Hatch (the 
stream between them), whom he formally assured that Columbia w T as only occu- 
pied by non-combatants and the wounded of both armies. He also proposed to 
exchange some two thousand prisoners, the fruits of the campaign, -who were, as 
he acquainted him, without blankets or proper clothing for the inclement season, 
and must therefore perish in many cases from cold if not exchanged. After a 
delay of two hours the answer, in the name of General Thomas, was a refusal 
to either exchange prisoners or to receive those Forrest had on parole with the 
understanding that a like number should subsequently be returned. The shell- 
ing, however, was discontinued. 

It was an unfortunate circumstance that the party having the 
pontoon train of General Thomas had made a blunder and taken 
the wrong- road, the Murfreesboro pike, and there was much 
delay in crossing the stream, which at that time was much swollen, 
very deep and rapid. To this blunder may Hood and Forrest be 
thankful that our cavalry was not treading on their heels and 
flanks a good deal sooner. As soon as possible a picked body of 
cavalry of which the Ninth formed a part, crossed the river and 
followed the retreating Confederates to the Tennessee river, 
fighting the enemy all the way, whose sole aim now was to get 
away and over the Tennessee river with as much of their train 
and army as possible ; but our little force of cavalry was capturing 
prisoners, guns, wagons, etc., constantly, and the fleeing, demoral- 
ized Confederates were abandoning and throwing away every- 
thing that impeded their flight, burning and destroying all they 
could to prevent its falling into our hands. 

Many poor fellows deserted and many more straggled from 
their commands for the express purpose of falling into our hands, 
as they seemed to realize now the utter hopelessness of their 
cause. 

December 27, 1864, the last of General Hood's demoralized 
and shattered army crossed the Tennessee Kiver, and our forces 
pursued no further. The roads were simply terrible from the 
heavy rains and storms that had so long prevailed, the bridges 



168 HISTORY OF THE 

destroyed, and the only places where an army could march were 
on the pike roads; and while this state of affairs was bad for the 
retreating Confederate army, they were better informed in regard 
to the lay of the land. 

As it was, the Federal army of General George H. Thomas 
pursued with unexampled vigor, and as a result the army of Con- 
federate troops was completely broken up, and not counting 
the stragglers that voluntarily came in, General Hood's loss in 
this invasion was about fifteen thousand men by capture, among 
which were seven generals, sixteen colonels, and about one thou- 
sand officers below the rank of colonel, seventy stands of colors, 
seventy -two pieces of artillery, with wagons, army supplies, horses, 
mules, etc., of great value, and no doubt his loss all told was 
equal to one-half the army with which he in November had 
invaded Tennessee. Our losses during the same time could not 
foot up more than half that number, and during that time nearly 
two months in duration, many hard fought battles and much 
severe fighting had occurred. 

The results and termination of the campaign were summed up 
in a general order by General George TI. Thomas as follows : 

Pulaski, December 29, 1864. 
Soldiers : The Major-General commanding announces to you that the rear 
guard of the flying and dispirited enemy was driven across the Tennessee River 
on the night of the 27th instant. The impassable state of the roads, and the con- 
sequent impossibility to supply the army, compels a closing of the campaign for 
the present. Although short, it has been brilliant in its achievements, and unsur- 
passed in its results by any other of this war, and is one of which all who partic- 
ipated therein may well be proud. That veteran army, which though driven 
from position to position opposed a stubborn resistance to much superior num- 
bers during the whole of the Atlanta campaign, taking advantage of the absence 
• of the largest portion of the army which had been opposed to it in Georgia, 
invaded Tennessee buoyant with hope, expecting Nashville, Memphis, and the 
whole of Tennessee and Kentucky to fall into its power an easy prey, and 
scarcely fixing a limit to its conquests. After having received at Franklin the 
most terrible check that army has received during this war, and later at Murfrees- 
boro in its attempt to capture that place, it was finallj T attacked at Nashville, and 
although your forces were inferior to it in numbers, was hurled back from the 
coveted prize on which it had been permitted to look from a distance, and finally 
sent flying, dismayed and disordered, whence it came impelled by the instinct of 
self preservation, and thinking only of how it could relieve itself for short intervals 
from your persistent and harassing pursuit by burning the bridges over the swol- 
len streams as it passed them, until finally it had placed the broad waters of the 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 169 

Tennessee River between you and its shattered, diminished and discomfited col- 
umns, leaving its artillery and battle flags in your victorious hands, lasting 
trophies of your noble, daring and lasting monuments of the enemy's disgrace 
anu defeat. 

You have diminished the forces of the rebel army since it crossed the Tennes- 
see River to invade the State at the least estimate, fifteen thousand men, among 
whom were killed, wounded and captured eighteen general officers. 

Your captures from the enemy, as far as reported, amount to sixty-eight 
pieces of artillery, ten thousand prisoners and many stands of small arms, several 
thousand of which have been gathered in, and the remainder strew the route of 
the enemy's retreat, and between thirty and forty flags, besides compelling him 
to destroy much ammunition and abandoning many wagons; and unless he is 
mad he must forever abandon all hope of bringing Tennessee again within the 
lines of the accursed rebellion. 

A short time will now be given you to prepare to continue the work so nobly 
begun. 

By command of 

Major- General Thomas W. D. Whipple, 
Assistant Adjutant- General. 

Subsequent reports materially increased the number of pris- 
oners, cannons and flags. 

Not long afterward the Senate and House of Representatives 
of the United States passed the following : 

Resolved, That the thanks of Congress are due and are hereby tendered to 
Major-General George H. Thomas and the officers and soldiers under his com- 
mand for their skill and dauntless courage by which the rebel army under Gen" 
eral Hood was signally defeated and driven from the State of Tennessee. 

SECOND BRIGADE — OUR CAPTURES AT NASHVILLE. 

The captures of the Second Brigade of cavalry of General 
Hatch's division as officially reported from December 15th to De- 
cember 27th,when the last of Hood's command was closely pursu- 
ed by the cavalry embracing the five hundred picked troopers from 
this gallant brigade, when he was finally driven across the Ten- 
nessee River at Bainbridge was as follows : 

One general, two majors, one standard of division colors, three stands of 
brigade colors, thirteen hundred and fifteen muskets, twenty-one wagons, seven 
ambulances and fifteen pieces of artillery. 

In a well written article published in the National Tribune of 
March 22, 18S8, by Captain Thomas J. Cafer of the Ninth Indi- 
ana Cavalry, occurs the following paragraph in regard to the cav- 
alry command of Major-General James H. Wilson, in the cam- 



170 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

paign toward Nashville, Tenn., and the part the cavalry per- 
formed in driving Hood's army from Nashville and across th 
Tennessee River : 

' ' No better enconium could be desired than was given by a general of infantry, 
who followed in their wake, and saw what they had done. 

" The whole course from Nashville to the Tennessee River is one bloody line o' 
battle. I have seen the road lined with abandoned guns, dead men and horses 
until I am heart sick. I want to lift my hat to Wilson's splendid corps of cavalry. 

"In it there is glory enough for all, and if some did more than others, it is 
because their opportunities were greater." 



CHAPTER XX. 

The Ninth March to Eastport; to Gravelly Springs — 
Short Rations — Back to Eastport — Camp Equipage Re- 
ceived — Promotions in Company A — Turning over Horses 
and Carbines — Order of General Wilson — Surrender of 
Lee and Assassination of Lincoln — Return of Captain 
Blackburn — Rebel Soldiers Coming in — March to Deca- 
tur — Orders of Generals Hatch and Coon — New Supply 
of Horses and Arms — March to Montgomery — Amnesty 
Officers Appointed. 

AFTER the escape of the remnant of Hood's army across the 
Tennessee River, the roads being in an almost impassable 
condition and the weather very cold, the cavalry command was 
ordered to Huntsville, Ala., but when within a day's march of that 
place received orders to march to Eastport, Miss., on the Tennessee 
River, which place we reached on the 11th of January, 1865, where 
we immediately commenced to erect winter quarters, as we had 
no tents or camp equipage. Here we were very short of provis- 
ions; Lieutenant Davenport, brigade commissary, had been sent 
back from Columbia to Spring Hill for rations, and rejoined the 
command at Eastport with fifteen wagon loads of hard bread, 
sugar, coffee and salt, these being the principal articles needed as 
we could forage for meat and corn meal, but as this had to be 
divided among twelve regiments of the cavalry command, they 
did not last very long. 

The Ninth with the cavalry command left Eastport for 
Gravelly Springs, twelve miles distant on the 14th of January, 
where we remained nearly a month. During this time we had 
great difficulty in procuring rations, and much of the time had 
only fresh beef and corn meal, being obliged to forage for corn, 
and take possession of the mills of the country by military author- 
ity to grind the same, making details from the soldiers to run the 

171 



172 HISTOKY OF THE 

mill, and it was not till we moved back to Eastport, where we 
found the very efficient commissary, Captain McDonnell, that we 
again had full rations. 

Colonel Coon here issued the following order to each regiment 
comprising the Second Brigade: 

Headquarters Second Brigade, Fifth Division, C. C. M. D. M. ) 
Gravelly Springs, Ala., January 31, 1865. f 

General Field Orders. 

The Colonel commanding takes this, the first opportunity, to express to the 
officers and men of this brigade his heartfelt thanks for their untiring energy 
and loyal devoted patriotism to their country's cause during the recent arduous 
campaign. 

He feels confidant that the labor performed and the suffering endured through 
rain, sleet and snow overhead, and mud under foot, while at Shoal Creek, Ihe 
retreat to Nashville, the cold, bleak weather, with poor tents and very little 
wood at Edgefield, followed by the two days' battle at Nashville, and near Frank- 
lin, the cold storms of sleet and rain at Rutherford's Creek, and the rain and mud 
in the pursuit to the Tennessee River, are without parallel in the history of this 
war, while your record of gallantry and bravery has been more brilliant than that 
of any cavalry brigade in the United States' service. 

You have done what your noble Department Commander declared could not 
be done with cavalry. When a staff officer reported that General Hatch's cavalry 
had charged and taken a fort he replied " Impossible, impossible, sir; such a 
thing was never heard of , " when he and his staff rode forward rapidly to 
ascertain the truth of this report, arriving at the first redoubt in time to witness 
your taking the second with no little astonishment. 

You have won for yourselves and your respective States immortal fame. 
You have taught the army and the world the important lesson that cavalry can 
fight and charge breastworks on foot, a fact heretofore almost unknown. The 
acts of personal bravery during the campaign have been numerous, too many to 
mention here, but all present know who these men are, and you will do impor- 
tant service by repeating in the presence of skulkers the incidents of gallant con- 
duct in the recent campaign. 

The brigade now has a name truly enviable, and it is hoped that no officer or 
soldier will fail to lend his entire energy to render the record still more brilliant. 
Let our motto be first in drill, first in discipline, unsurpassed in soldierly conduct, 
and as of late, foremost in every battle. 

By command of Datus E. Coon, Colonel Second Iowa Cavalry Commanding 
Brigade. 

John H. Avery, 
Lieutenant Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and A. A. A. O. 

The 9th of February we moved back to Eastport and occupied 
some shanties built by the infantry and proceeded to arrange 
camp in a comfortable manner. From this place parties were 
sent out nearly every day patrolling. On the 13th a detachment 




General Dattjs E. Coon. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 173 

of the Ninth and a part of the Second Iowa were ont on a scout 
about fifteen miles, but only brought in two prisoners; February 
14th, received our cam]) equipage, tents, etc., which came round by 
boats from Nashville ; February 15th, two promotions in Com- 
pany A, Sergeant C. G. Dack to be first lieutenant and the brave 
and gallant Lieutenant David Hillier to be captain. These two 
soldiers had been with the regiment from the first, had been faith- 
ful, brave and gallant in the performance of every duty. Captain 
Hillier having held his commission as second lieutenant since 
April, 1862, having been in command of Company A the most of 
the time, and though now appointed captain of his old company, he 
having previously tendered his resignation, was never commis- 
sioned to the position he was at this time appointed to fill, though 
strongly recommended by his brother officers of the Ninth. The 
men were busy building stables for an expected supply of horses. 

Februaiy 17th, an inspection of arms and quarters b}^ Major 
McMannis commanding the regiment. A part of the Ninth and 
a detachment of the Second Iowa Cavalry with four wagons 
started on a scout to Tuscumbia, Ala., arriving at that place the 
20th; went into camp and Company A sent on patrol toward De- 
catur, and on the 21st proceeded to Russellville, the headquarters 
of the rebel General Roddy, who had a division of rebel cavalry, 
but he did not desire to risk a battle and retreated farther south ; 
captured a number of prisoners, among them a colonel, about 
thirty in all, who really seemed glad to be in our hands; arrived 
back in camp at 8 p. m., February 23d; had regimental drill here 
nearly every day, and there was talk at this time of turning over 
our horses to some of the other regiments. 

February 26th, inspection by Major McMannis and Surgeon 
G. B. Christy, and on the 28th, mustered by a captain of the Sec- 
ond Iowa for two months' pay for January and February. 

March 5th, inspection of arms and quarters by General Hatch, 
who returned to us a few days before. We were then having 
company regimental and brigade drill much of the time. A num- 
ber of recruits arrived for the regiment on the 9th, and March 
12th inspection of arms and quarters. The Second Iowa Cavalry 
were to-day turning over their Spencer carbines. 

March 13th our gallant Col. J. W. Harper joined us again, 



174 HISTOKY OF THE 

having been commissioned full colonel of our regiment, from De- 
cember 5, 1864. He was welcomed back by a regular oration 
from the Ninth. 

March 14th the Ninth turned over our Spencer carbines to- 
General Croxton's command, and received in place some old Colt's 
revolving rifles and Sharp's carbines. 

March 24th an unfortunate accident occurred. "While a party of 
officers stood conversing a sack of cartridges exploded, burning- 
Captain Shattuck very severely in the face, and Lieutenant 
Roberts also, but not so badly. 

During the month of March, 1865, General Wilson organized 
a large cavalry force to go on a grand raid into the center of 
the Confederacy. 

The Fifth Division did not, for some reason that we never cer- 
tainly knew, form a part of this grand command, and we were- 
obliged to turn over horses to the troops selected for the enter- 
prise, and later application was made for our Spencer carbines and 
to equip those regiments who were to go on this active campaign 
to be turned over to General Croxton's division. This seemed to- 
this gallant division, the fighting Fifth, to be pretty hard treatment^ 
as they had stood us in such good stead in so many tight places, 
but as it appeared that this expedition would need a good arm 
more than we in our dismounted condition, and the good of the* 
service demanded the sacrifice, they gave them up. In recog- 
nition of this act of self-denial General Wilson issued the follow- 
ing order : 

Headquarters, Cavalry Corps, M. D. M., ) 
Chickasaw, Ala., March 18, 1865. j~ 

General Order No. 24. 

The Brevet Major-General commanding takes great pleasure in announcing to- 
the cavalry corps, that the officers and men of the Second Iowa, Sixth and Ninth 
Illinois, through Brigadier-General Edward Hatch, commanding Fifth Division,, 
and Colonel D. E. Coon, Second Brigade, have, with a spirit of generosity, ex- 
celled only by their gallantry, voluntarily turned over to the First Division a 
large number of Spencer carbines, taking in exchange an equal number of infe- 
rior arms of various patterns; this, too, after they had been compelled to turn over 
their horses to the Seventh Division and other detachments. 

Such an exhibition of zeal for the interests of the public service, of self-de- 
nial, and of friendly regard for their brothers in arms, is unparalleled, and entitles, 
the brave men who have so cheerfully made it, to the thanks and admiration of 
every soldier in the corps. Troops who have distinguished themselves by so many 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 175 

acts of gallantry as adorn the history of the Fifth Division could have made no 
greater sacrifice. They are entitled to the best remount, equipments and arms the 
country can furnish, and every effort will be made to secure them in time to en- 
able them to participate in the events of the ensuiDg campaign. 

This order will be read to every regiment of the Fifth Division. 
By command of Brevet Major-General Wilson, 

[Signed] E. B. Beaumont, 

Major and Assistant Adjutant-General. 

The Second Brigade soon thereafter received muskets and be- 
gan to drill in the Infantry Tactics', but somewhat later in the 
season were again furnished with a new outfit of horses and Spen- 
cer carbines, an altogether more satisfactory arrangement for our 
boys. 

March 26. An inspection of the division by General Hatch, 
and our drill continues, now mostly of the Infantry Tactics, as we 
are dismounted and have long guns. 

April 2d. Inspection of the regiment by Captain Clark, one 
of our most popular officers, who, we expected, would soon be 
promoted to a mayorship. 

April 3d. Tearing down our shanties and putting up tents,. 
which, it was thought, would be more healthy for our men. This 
kind of soldier life was very monotonous to our old soldier bo\^s, 
who had been for so long a time accustomed to the duties of 
active campaigns, so the boys put in a part of their leisure time in 
fixing up and beautifying the camp, by putting out evergreen trees, 
and arranging their camp so that it presented a very pleasant 
appearance, and really looked like a "sylvan camp of picnickers/' 

April 11th we received the news of the surrender of Lee's 
arnry. The first intimation we had of it was the booming of 
cannon from the gunboats in the Tennessee River, firing a salute 
of thirty-eight guns, soon after which General Hatch ordered up 
the battery belonging to the division, and a salute of one hun- 
dred guns was fired with great rapidity. The whole command 
turned out, and indulged in considerable jollification. "Peace," 
" peace,"and "home," were the words on every tongue. General 
Grant had paroled his army, and that we did not just like, for we 
feared we should have to fight them again, as heretofore, they had 
not observed their parole. 

Sunday evening at 6:30 we received the astounding intelligence 



176 HISTORY OF THE 

of the assassination of President Lincoln. It did seem incredible 
that it could be true, yet it came in such shape that we were 
obliged to believe it, and our hearts were heavy and every one 
felt gloomy in the extreme. The army distrusted Andrew John- 
son, and many knew him to be entirely unfit to assume the head 
of this Government, as we judged him to be (what he afterwards 
proved himself) a man of mediocre ability — vain, ambitious and 
puffed up with self conceit. 

April 27th Capt. William C. Blackburn, who was captured 
November 24th at Campbellville, Tenn., joined us. He had been 
a prisoner since that time confined at Meridian, Cahaba and 
Andersonville. He gave very thrilling and graphic accounts of 
the privation and suffering of our men and the inhuman treatment 
they received at the hands of the rebels. Captain Blackburn was 
at this time about to muster out and leave the service. 

Lieutenant-Colonel A. H. Mockand Major William McMannis 
returned to the regiment from their northern visit, and we were 
very glad to see them back looking so well and bearing the honor 
of their promotions with so much easy grace. They were given a 
blow-out, at which many cigars were smoked and other things dis- 
posed of. 

May 7th. Regimental inspection by Lieutenant-Colonel Mock. 

May 8th. Colonel Harper returned to the regiment looking 
well and hearty, and all were glad to. have him back. 

On the 10th the First Brigade left, going down the river. 

Sunday May 14th, inspection of the regiment by Colonel Har- 
per, and on the 17th, a grand review of the Second Brigade by 
General Hatch. Many rebel deserters were coming into camp 
every day. On the 18th two regiments, the Second and Eleventh 
rebel Tennessee Cavalry, came in mounted. 

About the 25th of May the regiment began to divide up, one 
battalion under Major Shattuck moved to Corinth, another under 
Major McMannis to Tuscumbia and one to Iuka. So also was 
the Second Iowa and Seventh Illinois Cavalry sent to different 
towns for garrison duty. 

Captain John C. Xeely and Lieutenant J. A. McCartney, of 
Company I, First Illinois Light Artillery, the battery attached to 
the Fifth Division, were with us at Eastport, and were expecting 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 177 

at this time to be mustered out, as they were very anxious to leave 
the service, as all felt that the war was nearly over. They were 
very pleasant gentlemen and good officers and the officers of the 
command were sorry to have them leave as we had long served 
together. 

The following orders of General Hatch, assigning the regi- 
ments of the Second Brigade to special duties explains itself: 

Headquarters Fifth Division, Cavalry Corps, M. D. M. ) 
Eastport Miss., June 29, 1865. j" 

Special Orders, No. 116 

II. Brevet Brigadier General D. E. Coon, commanding Second Brigade> 
Fifth Division Cavalry Corps, M. D. M., will refit his command at Decatur, 
Ala. 

III. The deatchment of the Second Iowa Cavalry now stationed at Cor- 
inth, Miss., and Purdy, Tenn., will remain in their present camps. The balance 
of the regiment will encamp at Eastport and await orders. 

IV. The Sixth Illinois Cavalry, with the exception of a sufficient detail to 
take charge of the camp and garrison equipage, will proceed to Nashville, Tenn., 
via river, and Nashville and Northwestern Railroad, and report to Lieutenant 
Sudlow, A. A. Q. M., at that place, for the purpose of taking charge of animals 
to Decatur, Ala. 

V. The battalion of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, under command of Major 
Wm. McMannis will remain in camp at Tuscumbia. 

VI. All surplus camp and garrison equipage and all condemned stores will 
be turned over to Lieutenant S. W. Treat, Depot Quartermaster at Eastport. 

VII. Brevet General Coon, with the balance of his command provided with 
six days' rations, will move by easy marches to Decatur, Ala., and report in per- 
son to Brevet Major-General Hatch at that place. The division and brigade 
quarter-masters will furnish transportation. The Brigade Inspector will see that 
no surplus baggage is transported. 

By command of Brevet Major-General Edward Hatch. 

Harvey A. Colvin, 
* Assistant Adjutant-General. 

To Lieutenant E. A. Davenport, 

A. C. S. Fifth Division Cavalry Corps M. D. M. 

About the 1st of July the regiment began to rendezvous at 
Iuka, and on the 4th of July took up their line of march for Deca- 
tur, Ala. It was very hot, and it was thought best to lay by in 
the heat of the day; marching through Tuscumbia, it was so hot 
that some of our boys gave out. We pitched our tents two miles 
from Decatur, and here received orders to turn over our arms and 
equipments. 



178 HISTORY OF THE 

CONGRATULATORY AND FAREWELL ORDER OF GEN. WILSON. 

Headquarters Cavalry Corps, M. D. M., ) 
Macon, Ga., July 2, 1865. f 

General Orders, No. 39. 

To the officers and men of the Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi. 

Your corps has ceased to exist. The Rebellion has terminated in there- 
establishment of your country upon the basis of nationality and perpetual unity. 
Your deeds have contributed a noble part to the glorious result. They have passed 
into history and need no recital from me. In the nine months during -which I 
have commanded you I have heard no reproach upon your conduct, have had no 
disaster to chronicle. 

The glowing memories of Franklin, Nashville, West ll'arpeth, Ebenezer 
Church, Selma, Montgomery, Columbus, West Point and Macon may well fill 
your hearts with pride. 

You have learned to believe yourselves invincible, and, contemplating your 
honorable deeds, may justly cherish that belief. You may be proud of your 
splendid discipline no less than your courage, zeal and endurance. The noble 
impulses which have inspired you in the past will be a source of enduring honor 
in the future. Peace has her victories no less than war. Do not forget that 
clear heads, honest hearts and stout arms, guided by pure patriotism, are the 
surest defense of our country in every peril. Upon them depend the substantial 
progress of our race and order of civilization, as well as the libertv of all man- 
kind. 

Let your example in civil life be an incitement to industry, good order and 
enlightenment, while your deeds in war shall live in the grateful remembrance 
of your countrymen . 

Having discharged every military duty honestly and faithfully, return to 
your homes with the noble sentiment of your martyr President deeply impressed 
upon every heart: "With malice against none, and charity for all, strive to 
do right as God gives you to see the right." J as. H. Wilson, 

Brevet Major- General. 
Official: Edward P. Inhopp, Captain and A. A. A. General. 

FAREWELL ORDER OF GENERAL COON. 

Headquarters Second Brigade Fifth Division Cavalry Corps, M. D. M., ) 

Decatur, Ala., July 9, 1865. ) 

General Order, No. 11. 

Veteran Companions: This day the identity of the old Second Brigade is lost, 
and its unflinching battle line that covered our retiring forces at West Point and 
Prairie Station, that saved a disorganized command at Okalona, that raised the 
well-earned cry of victory at Hurricane Creek and Tupelo, that presented its un- 
broken front to Hood's advancing hosts, at Shoal Creek, Mt. Carmel, Campbells 
ville, Linnville, Louisburg Pike, and Franklin, and that taught the world a new 
lesson in cavalry warfare, when it waved its victorious battle flag over the cap- 
tured redoubts at Nashville, that un waving battle-scarred line has at last, by order 
of your Department Commander, been broken, and in parting I feel proud in 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 179 

giving expression to the heart-felt God-speeds and sincere well-wishes mutually 
exchanged by the officers and men of the brigade. 

You have endured storm, hunger, fatigue and many a victorious march to- 
gether, under each other's faithful watch; you have slept without fear in many a 
dangerous bivouac ; shoulder to shoulder you have stormed the battle tide of 
many a sanguinary field, and the greatest good I can wish for you is that your 
future happiness and prosperity may be as great and unremitting as your past 
patriotism, fidelity and courage ; while better cause for honest pride I shall never 
have then this : " I once commanded the Second Brigade," 

Officers, Soldiers, Comrades, farewell. 

By order of Datus E. Coon, Brevet Brigadier-General. 

John H. Avery. 
To Commanding-Officer Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Captain and A. A. A. G. 

About the 15th of July the regiment drew a partial outfit of 
horses, equipments and Spencer carbines. 

July 18th the regiment received eight month's pay from 
Major Vrooman, United States Paymaster at Decatur, Ala. 

July 19, 1865, the regiment started on the march for Mont- 
gomery, Ala., with the Second Brigade ; the first day marched 
nine miles, and camped at Flint River, moving forward at 5 a. m., 
the Ninth in the advance, and part of the time up and down a moun- 
tainous country, and the roads very rough, and water poor and 
scarce. After a very hard and fatiguing march arrived at Mont- 
gomery, Ala,, July 29th, and went into camp three miles east of 
the city. Montgomery was the first capital of the Southern 
Confederacy, and is beautifully situated on a very commanding 
position, but at. the time we were there it showed the effects of 
the war, and was almost like a deserted city. August 10th a 
mounted inspection of the regiment. 



CHAPTEE XXI. 

March to Gainesville — General Hatch's Farewell Address — 
The Second Iowa Cavalry Going Home — Arrest of two 
Women — Lieutenant Davenport's Protest Against Poor 
Rations — Ordered to Selma and Mustered Out — Home- 
ward Bound and the Arrival at Springfield — Colonel 
Harper's Protest — Final Payment and Discharge — 
" Good-bye " — Battles of the Ninth. 



T 



1HE Ninth remained here until the 14th of August, when the 
I regiment started for Gainesville, Ala., and passed through 
Pottsville and Selma, which latter place was nearly all destroyed 
by General Wilson when he came through here the last of March. 
We crossed the Cahaba River on the 18th, and moved on through 
Hamburg and Greensboro, at which latter place Captain Kelly 
and a part of his company remained, thence on to Eutaw, where 
Lieutenant Webster remained and arrived at Gainesville August 
22d. 

This town is situated on the Tombigbee River. Here we imme- 
diately began to arrange to make the boys comfortable by hauling 
lumber, etc., to build houses and quarters. 

At Gainesville we found a very fine vessel lying in the river 
which had been used by the rebels as a blockade runner. 

August 31st we were mustered for two months' pay by Lieu- 
tenant Abbott. 

September 1st we heard that the Second Iowa Cavalry was 
going home and hoped that it would be our turn next. 

While here Colonel Harper was in command of the sub-dis- 
trict of Alabama, and Lieutenant-Colonel Mock commanded the 
regiment, and their duties, though not of a fighting character, 
were not always of the pleasantest kind. The officers Avere, many 
of them, detached and placed on duty in the surrounding towns to 
keep order and administer the oath of amnesty to those of the 

180 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 181 

• 

citizens who were desirous of returning to their allegiance to the 
old flao-, and were stationed at different places in obedience to 
the instructions contained in the following order issued by General 
Charles R. Woods commanding the Department of Alabama. 

August 11, 1865, Major-General Charles R. Woods appointed 
the following named officers of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry to 
administer the amnesty oath in the istrict of Talladega in accord- 
ance with the proclamation of the President of the United States 
of date May 29, 1865. 

Headquarters, Department op Alabama, )_ 
Mobile, Ala., August 11, 1865. \ 

Special Orders No. 23. Extract 7. 

The following assignments of officers for administering the amnesty oath 
is ordered for the district of Talladega. The officers will at once assume the 
duties at their respective stations, being governed by existing orders from head- 
quarters, Military Division of the Tennessee and by instructions conveyed from 
these headquarters. 

Carrolton, Captain H. C. Vore, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; Lallibut, Lieutenant 
F. P. Robinson, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; Benevola, Lieutenant Charles Haner, 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry; Green County, Captain P. Kelly, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; 
Eutaw, Lieutenant Geo. P. Webster, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; Gainesville, Major 
William McMannis, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; Livingston, Captain John H. Carpen- 
ter, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; Gaston, Lieutenant J. C. Kilmer, Ninth Illinois Cav- 
alry; Fayetteville, Captain J. O. H. Spinney, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Tuscaloosa, 
Major L. L. Shattuck, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; New Lexington, Captain F. C. 
Niemeyer, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; McNath, Lieutenant J. T. Showalter, Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry. 

By order of Major-General Charles R. Woods, 

Fred. H. Wilson, Assistant Adjutant-General. 

General Hatch commanding the department having succeeded 
General A. J. Smith on the 14th of August removed headquarters 
from Montgomery to Talladega, Ala., and soon the command 
commenced to break up. Orders began to arrive for the transfer 
of troops and some were being sent north for muster out. General 
Hatch, having been ordered to report to General Stoneman, bade 
farewell to his old command with whom he had been so long, 
pleasantly and honorably associated and between whom there 
always existed the utmost confidence and mutual respect in the 
following order, which was read to each regiment in his command 
and indicates the regard that General Hatch had for the veteran 
troops that had so long been under his command. 



182 HISTORY OF THE 

GENERAL HATCH'S FAREWELL ORDER TO THE SECOND BRIGADE. 

Headquarters District of Talladega, Ala., \ 
Talladega, Ala., August 23, 1865. ) 

General Orders No. 4. 

Orders have this day been received directing me to report to another depart- 
ment for duty, which compels me to part with the officers and men of the Second 
Cavalry Iowa Veteran Volunteers, Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Regiments, cavalry 
Illinois Veteran Volunteers, with whom I have been so long and so pleasantly 
associated. 

There are times in the course of events when the best of friends must part, 
and now, that the hour of our separation draws nigh, I desire to express my 
sincere and heartfelt thanks for the cheerful cooperation with me in the perform- 
ance of kindred duties, for your gallantry, self denial, and the untiring energy 
you have displayed on every occasion while under my command. 

Participating in common dangers, privations and hardships for nearly four 
years, a period too full of events and heroic deeds that you have accomplished to 
be mentioned in an order like this, has united us in the bonds of indissoluble 
friendship. -I 

Often during your military career have you nobly obeyed the command 
"Charge the enemy's works" even amid vollies of leaden rain and iron hail de- 
livered by a brave and confident enemy. No greater praise can be offered, than 
the fact that you have never charged a work you have not carried, a line you 
have not broken or a battery you have not taken. 

I will ever cherish among the brightest passages of my life the memory of 

our association while engaged in a cause in behalf of right against wrong and 

oppression, and now the war is over, and we are spared to enjoy the fruits of our 

labors, let us not forget our comrades in arms, whose remains were left upon the 

field of battle, or those who have been stricken down by the slow hand of disease, 

but let their sacred memory renew our devotion to the cause for which they gave 

their last offering. 

You have done your duty as good soldiers, and each of you have my best 

wishes for your future welfare and happiness, throughout the remainder of your 

lives. 

Hoping the future may be as bright and happy as your military life has been 

glorious, I bid you an affectionate good bye. 

[Signed] Edward Hatch, 

Brevet Major General, United States Volunteers Commanding. 

To the Commanding Officer, Ninth Illinois Cavalry: 

When the regiment moved from Montgomery. Ala., August 
14, 1865, the Ninth was divided into detachments, and stationed 
at different towns to keep order and administer the amnesty oath 
to the rebel soldiers and citizens who were disposed to accept the 
same. Rations were issued, but the boys having recently been 
paid off, generally having plenty of money, did not take all their 
crackers or hard tack. 





SERE'T MAJOR P. Y. FITZFATRICK. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 183 

Thomas "W". Eaton, of Company E, had charge of a lot for dis- 
tribution, and when the companies to whom he was issuing had 
taken all they wanted, there were several parts of boxes left on his 
hands. Tom emptied these into two large sacks containing 
nearly ten bushels, and put them on the cars with the other stores. 
On their arrival at Gainesville, the negroes began to crowd around, 
and wanted to know " if they did not want those cars unloaded," 
but as yet camp had not been established they were told " no." By 
this time it seemed that the Africans had sprung right up out of 
ground, as there appeared to be thousands of them. Finally 
camp was located, a building was assigned for the commissary 
stores; then again the negroes were on hand begging for the 
privilege of " unloading them cars, Massa." After a while Eaton 
told them to take hold and they pitched in with a will, and, as 
"many hands make light work," the cars were soon un- 
loaded. Then again, the colored troops came to the front, " Say 
Massa Captain, haven't you got something to eat, we's awful 
hungry." Eaton thought of his two bags of crackers; he brought 
them out and dumped one bag at a time on the platform. Then 
the fun began, such a pulling and hauling and scrambling, it 
looked like a brood of black chickens called together by the 
mother hen when she had found a worm. Their gratitude was 
unbounded as they called upon Heaven to shower down its choicest 
blessings upon the head of " Massa Captain." 

The headquarters of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry remained at 
Gainesville until October 14th, when we removed to Demopolis, 
where Colonel Harper had been stationed for some time. 

« On the 9th of September Major Clark, with one battalion 
of the Ninth, marched to Montevello to relieve the Second Iowa 
Cavalry, who were then mustering out. 

, An application had been forwarded to Major-General George 
H. Thomas, commanding the military division of Tennessee, to 
muster out our regiment, the same was returned September 9th, 
" Disapproved." 

The people of this country did not know how to come down 
to the rules and orders that had been placed in the hands of the 
military for their guidance, though I must say that the most 
of them accepted the situation with good grace. Occasionally, 



184 HISTORY OF THE 

however, some disagreeable occurrences would take place. The 
women always take less kindly to a new order of things, an 
instance of which I will relate : 

Two young women came in from a considerable distance in the 
country to do some shopping, and while in a store were rather free 
in showing their contempt for the Yankee soldiers, for a while no 
notice was taken of them, and they became more demonstrative 
in their manner and speech. The commanding officer at this 
time was Lieutenant-Colonel Mock, who, passing by the store 
where these two (ladies they called themselves) were shopping, 
took occasion to jeer at him as he passed. The Colonel, not being 
in full uniform, passed on and said nothing, after a while re- 
turned, passed them again, and they were much more demonstra- 
tive in their manner and remarks, in fact were very insulting. 
The Colonel passed on to his headquarters, and sent out a file of 
soldiers to arrest them, they still continuing their abuse, and at 
first refused to go with the guard, but finally, thinking it a good 
joke, went with them, and were rather startled to find in the 
Commandant the same soldier they had tried to insult. They 
were at first inclined to put on a bold face, but Colonel Mock gave 
them some good, plain talk, and told them they were not there 
to be insulted, and that they "must apologize for their conduct." 
This they flatly refused to do. " Yery well, then 3^011 will have 
to go to the guard house," said the Colonel. This startled them 
and they began to weaken; said they did not mean anything, that 
they were a good ways from home, and if the Colonel would let 
them off they would go away. They were told if they would say 
that the}^ were sorry for what they had done, and would leave town 
for their homes immediately, he would let them off. This they 
concluded to do, and the guards accompanying them to their 
wagon, they left town considerably crestfallen. The citizens, 
who had seen the affair, complimented Colonel Mock on his man- 
agement of a rather awkward case, and said they were glad he had 
brought them to time. 

POOR RATIONS AT GAINESVILLE. 
Upon my return to the regiment, in the early part of Septem- 
ber, 1865, I found there was much complaint in regard to the 
quality and quantity of the rations being issued. I immediately 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 185 

reported . the state of affairs, and made complaint to Lieutenant 
Hibbard, A. C. S., of whom the regiment were drawing their sup- 
plies. He promised that he would see that we would have no more 
cause for complaint. The trouble, however, continued, and I made 
the following report to the department commander, which came 
back in about three weeks covered with endorsements, and before 
that time our subsistance stores had materially improved: 

Headquarters Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Veteran Volunteers, ) 
Gainesville, Ala., September 20, 1865. \ 
Sih: I have the honor to respectfully report to the general commanding the 
following facts: The Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Veteran Volunteers, arrived at this 
place August 22, 1865, since which time we have been drawing rations from 
Lieutenant W. P. B. Hibbard, Ninety-third Regiment Indiana Infantry Volun- 
teers, A. C. S. The rations drawn have been of very poor quality, and a portion 
of the time only part rations have been issued, and those, to a certain extent, not 
really fit for use. Much of the hard bread was old, rotten and wormy. The 
meat, bacon and shoulders, much of it, in a stinking, buggy, rotten condition, so 
much so that the men would do without rather than eat the same. Whether tBis 
is the fault of the commissary at this place, or of those of whom he receives his 
subsistence stores at Meridan or Mobile, I know not. My object in making this 
report is to see if these evils cannot be corrected. The Ninth Illinois Cavalry is 
a veteran regiment, has served the country well and faithfully for over four 
years, and now that the war is over, we think it hard that we are so treated. 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

E. A. Davenport, 
Lieutenant and B. 8. C, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Veteran Volunteers. 
Fred H. Wilson, 

Assistant Adjutant- General, Department of Alabama. 

About the middle of October we moved from Gainesville to 
Demopolis, and on the 21st Major Clark was assigned to the com- 
mand of a battalion of the Ninth at Selma. Major McMannis was 
already there, president of a court martial. Colonel Harper was 
still commanding the sub-district. We were anxiously looking- 
for an order to muster out, as we learned that General Grant had 
issued an order "to muster out all cavalry east of the Mississippi. " 

October 24th we moved to Selma, Ala., in pursuance -with 
orders to muster out of the service. Here the detachments of the 
regiment were coming in, and were feeling cheerful and happy 
that our war services were about ended. Selma, Ala., had been 
a place of considerable importance to the Confederacy, as 
it was here that the Confederate Government had established 



186 HISTORY OP THE 

extensive works for the manufacture of heavy ordnance for the 
rebel army. And though General Wilson had burned and 
destroyed the machine shops and much of the city, there was 
enough left to show what they had been capable of producing. 
The guns here, in all stages of completion, were of the heaviest 
caliber, and the largest I had ever seen. There were two large 
artesian wells, from which there was a large and constant flow 
of water. At this place the Ninth Illinois Cavalry were very 
busy arranging their affairs, turning over all ordnance, stores, 
arms, and quartermaster property, horses, tents, etc., and making 
out necessary papers, all of which consumed much time. Finally, 
October 31, 1865, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, veteran 
regiment, in pursuance of the following order, was formally mus- 
tered out of the service of the United States by Captain Hosmer, 
United States mustering officer, and started for Springfield, 111., 
November 5, for final payment and discharge. 

Headquarters, District op Montgomery, ) 
Montgomery, Ala., October 31, 1865. \ 

Special Orders No. 62 — Extract. 
3. T4re Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, Colonel J. W. Harper command- 
ing, will, after having turned over all land transportation, and public animals to 
the Post Quartermaster at Selma, Ala., proceed 'without delay to Springfield, 
111., reporting to the Chief Mustering Officer of the State, for final payment and 
discharge. 

The quartermaster's department will furnish the necessary transportation. 
******** 

By command of Major-General Henry E. Davies, Jr., 

James B. Comstock, 
♦ . Assistant Adjutant- General. 

Official : James B. Comstock, Assistant Adjutant- General. 

EIGHT DAYS* PAY DUE THE NINTH. 

At the time of final payment of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry 
Volunteer Veterans by Major Brightman, Uuited States Paymas- 
ter at Springfield, 111., November 18, 1865. It was thought that 
an injustice was done the regiment by not paying us for the 
period between our arrival at Camp Butler where the regiment 
was kept on duty and the day of payment. A protest was made 
by Colonel Joseph "W. Harper, and many officers of the regiment 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 18 7 

at the time, as will be seen b}^ reference to the following- letter 
addressed by our Colonel to the Adjutant-General of the State. 

Headquarters Ninth Illinois Cavalry, ) 
Springfield, III., November 18, 1865. i 

General: I have the honor to make the following statements. 

My regiment (the Ninth Illinois Cavalry) arrived at Camp Butler, 111 . , for 
final payment and discharge, November 11, 1865. I reported to General Oakes, 
in accordance with my orders, November 10th, with pay rolls of my regiment. 
Date of arrival (November 11) was endorsed on said rolls and they were sent to 
Major Bridgeman, Paymaster United States Army. The rolls were returned to 
me for signature of men November 11th, by Major Bridgeman, and were sent by 
me to Major Bridgeman with the signatures of men attached, November 13, 1865. 
I made the inquiry of Major Bridgeman up to what time he would pay the regi- 
ment. Major Bridgeman replied he could only pay up to and including Novem- 
ber 9th. I remonstrated with him that the regiment had arrived on the evening 
of the 10th, and that we were entitled to pay up to the date of payment; as it 
• would take one week to figure the rolls, it would be injustice to keep a regiment 
that length of time without pay. I could get no satisfaction from Major Bridge- 
man, and only the reply that his orders would not permit him to pay only to 
include the 9th. 

After being shown the letter received by you from the Paymaster-General, No- 
vember 16th, 1865, I again went to Major Bridgeman and asked him if be had 
been shown said letter. He said he had. I then asked him if he would now pay 
my regiment. He said no, that that letter was not official to him, and that further- 
more he considered it]the commencement of payment of a regiment when he began 
to figure the first roll, although it might be a week from that time before he actu- 
ally began to pay the regiment. 

My regiment is being paid to-day (November 18th) and is only paid to include 
November 9th, this leaving eight days we have been obliged to remain here with- 
out pay. 

Believing that injustice has been done my regiment by the Pay Department, 
I ask you to investigate the matter and ascertain if such are Major Bridgeman's 
orders from the Paymaster General. 

I am, General, very respectfully, your most obedient servant, 

[Signed]. Jos. W. Harper, 

Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 
To Brigadier General I. N. Raynie, Adjutant- General, Illinois. 

Major Bridgeman was, however, so obdurate, and construed 
his orders so strongly against us, that we were not paid for eight 
days' time, that we then felt and still feel, was and is due the 
members of the regiment. Officers of the Ninth and comrades, 
who have inquired into the matter, have been informed that the 
only way that justice can now be done is by special act of Con- 
gress, and to this end it is hoped and desired that a committee be 



188 HISTORY OF THE 

appointed, and that some member of Congress shall be interested 
and instructed to see that a measure be introduced before Con- 
gress for our relief. It is susceptible of proof that the regiment 
was mustered out of the service at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1805, 
was ordered to Springfield, 111., for final payment and discharge 
that the regiment arrived at Springfield November 10, 1865, was 
assigned to quarters at Camp Butler, and were not allowed our 
freedom from camp except by a " pass " from the military, and were 
not paid until November 18, 1865, when we accepted (under pro- 
test) such payment as Major Bridgeman was willing to give us, 
being anxious, after our four years' service, to be allowed to re- 
turn to our homes. 

HOMEWARD BOUND. 

As before remarked, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers 
left Selma, Ala., November 5, 1865, and proceeding north by rail 
reached Cairo on the 9th, going from there to Springfield, 111. 
arriving at the latter place on the evening of the 10th of Novem- 
ber. Here we were to receive our pay and final discharge, and it 
was necessary for each company to make out and have signed by 
each member thereof nine muster-out rolls, and all officers, who 
had been, or were now responsible for Government property of any 
sort, were to arrange their accounts, and put everything in shape 
to enable them to make a settlement in full, and to receive an 
honorable and final discharge from the service. 

The men and many of the officers were quartered in Camp 
Butler, and still under military restriction, the days passed 
wearily while waiting. Many of the boys put in a portion of 
their time in the tailor shops and clothing stores, selecting ap- 
parel suitable for citizen life. Quite a number had their pictures 
taken, and exchanges were made between those who, in our years 
of service, had formed attachments that should last to the end of 
life. 

On the 18th of November, 1865, Ave were paid by Major Bridge- 
man) the United States Paymaster, and, receiving our discharges, 
we were again citizens. We were now to see home and friends 
once more. Conflicting emotions stirred each. In a few short hours 
we should be face to face with those from whom we had been 




RANSDM HARRIN&TDN, 

Captain Corripariy B. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 189 

separated for months and years. Glad eyes and joyful voices 
would greet us, fathers, mothers, wives, sisters, brothers, children 
and sweethearts, and among them pallid faces would look into 
ours, and husky voices would ask of those whose forms lay 
beneath the Southern sod, and we, in pity, must keep back half 
the dreadful truth. We were going home victorious, yet, at 
what a sacrifice ; our thoughts would turn to those of our com- 
rades, who lay behind, moldering in Southern soil. C|ur eyes 
would grow moist at the thought of brave, true hearts, stnlecl for- 
ever by rebel bullets, or hushed by the slow horror of a prison 
pen. 

What had been gained by all this loss? What had been 
gained ? An undivided country, the power and supremacy of the 
Government established, the glorious banner of freedom, the stars 
and stripes vindicated ; that bastard rag, the stars and bars, 
trampled into the dust out of sight forever, by the feet of the 
loyal, patriotic sons of America. 

Thank God! This was what we had helped to gain. 

" This Government of the people, by the people, and for the 
people, shall not perish from the earth." 

A hand-shake, a good-bye in a husky voice, and the record of 
the Ninth Illinois Cavalry Veteran Volunteers as a regiment 
was closed. 

Its deeds are a part of the Nation's history. 
BATTLES AND SKIRMISHES OF THE NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

Cache River, Arkansas, May 28, 1862; Waddell Farm, Arkansas, June 12, 
1862; Stewart's Plantation, Arkansas, June 27, 1862, Cotton Plant, Arkansas; July 
7, 1862; Marianna, Arkansas, October 17, 1862; La Grange, Arkansas, October 18, 
1862; Oakland, Mississippi, November 6, 1862; Coffeeville, Mississippi, Novem- 
ber 7, 1862; Coldwater, Mississippi, November 8, 1862. 

Quinn's Mill, Tennessee, May 15, 1863; Panola, Mississippi, June 20, 1863; 
Coldwater, Mississippi, June 21, 1863; Cochrin's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 
28, 1863; Byhalia, Mississippi, August 14, 1863; Grenada, Mississippi, August 
18, 1863; Senatobia, Mississippi, August 20, 1863; Lockhart's Mill, Mississippi, 
October 6, 1863; Salem, Mississippi, October 8, 1863; Wall Hill, Mississippi, 
October 10, 1863; Wyatt, Mississippi, October 13, 1863; Saulsbury, Tennessee, 
December 3, 1865; Moscow, Tennessee, December 4, 1863; LaFayette, Tennessee, 
December, 26, 1863; Collierville, Tennesssee, December 27, 1863. 

West Point, Mississippi, February 20, 1864; Okolona, Mississippi, Febuary 21, 
1864; Ivy Hill, Mississippi, February 22, 1864; Guntown, Mississippi, June 10, 
1864; Brice's Cross Roads, Mississippi, June 10, 1864; Ripley, Mississipi, June 12, 



190 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

1864; Pontotoc, Mississippi, July 12 and 13, 1864; Tupelo, Mississippi, July 14 
and 15, 1864; Oldtown Creek, Mississippi, July 15, 1864; Tallahatchie, Missis- 
sippi, August 11, 1864; Abbeyrille, Mississippi, August 12, 1864; Hurri- 
cane Creek, Mississippi, August 13, 1864; Oxford, Mississippi, August 14, 1864. 
Savannah, Tennessee, October 14, 1864; Shoal Creek, Tennessee, November 6, 11, 
and 19, 1864; Lawrenceburg, Tennnessee, November 22, 1864; Pulaski, Tennessee, 
November 22, 1864; Campbellville, Tennessee, November 24, 1864; Lynnville, 
Tennessee, November 24, 1864; Columbia, Tennessee, November 25, 26 and 27, 
1864; Mount Carmel, Tennessee, November 27, 1864; Spring Hill, Tennessee, 
November 28, 1864; Franklin, Tennessee, November 30, 1864; Nashville, Tennessee, 
December 15 and 16, 1864; Brentwood, Tennessee, December, 16, 1864; Franklin 
Pike, Tennessee, Decembei 17, 1864; Rutherford Creek, Tennessee, November 18 
and 19, 1864; Sugar Creek, Tennessee, December 23, 1864; Big Creek, Tennessee, 
December 24, 1864; Ross' Farm, Tennessee, December 25, 1864. 



CHAPTEK XXII. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES OF THE FIELD AND STAFF. 

SKETCH OF COLONEL BRACKETT. 

ALBERT G. BRACKETT was born February 14, 1829, at Cherry Valley, N. 
Y., and removed to Indiana when a mere lad. He is a man of large and 
varied military experience. Prompted by the martial spirit awakened in his breast 
at the prospect of trouble with Mexico, he in common with many young men of 
that day hastened to offer his services to the country: 

Elected to the second lieutenancy of the company in which he volunteered, 
he was mustered into the service of the United States on the 1st of June, 1847, 
and was soon promoted to be first lieutenant, his regiment forming a part of 
General Lanes' column in the march to the City of Mexico. He participated in 
all its skirmishes and engagements, serving through the entire war with gieat 
credit and distinction. 

The war having terminated, he returned to his home at Rochester, Ind., 
where he prepared and published the story of his campaign under the title of 
" General Lanes' Brigade in Central Mexico." This work is still regarded as one 
of the leading authorities on the Mexican War. 

On the organization of the new Second (now Fifth) United States Cavalry, 
he was appointed to one of the captaincies, and assisted in recruiting and organiz- 
ing the regiment. He marched with his regiment to Texas in 1855, and during 
the following five years was actively engaged in various campaigns against the 
Indian tribes, mainly the Lipans and Comanches, defeating them in three prom- 
inent engagements, receiving on several occasions the thanks and highest com- 
mendations of the Department Commander, and General Scott Commander in 
Chief. He also commanded a squadron of cavalry during the Cortenas difficul- 
ties on the Rio Grande. 

When the State of Texas was surrendered to the rebels he marched with his 
command to the coast, and sailed to the north where he lost no time in throwing 
himself into the struggle, heart and soul. At Blackburn's Ford aDd Bull Run, 
July 18th and 21st, 1861, he was in command of a squadroon of the Second Cav- 
alry, and was the escort of General McDowell, where his services were of the 
highest character, and his conduct and gallantry such as won for him again the 
praise of his superior officers. His company with others from the regular cav- 
alry Mnd infantry formed about all there was of the rear guard. 

On the 6th of August, 1861, he was authorized by the Secretary of War to 
raise a cavalry regiment at the west. To this object he set vigorously to work. 
Coming west, he was soon appointed aide de-camp to Govorner Yates, of Illinois, 
and soon thereafter to the command of Camp Douglas, at Chicago. During this 

191 



192 HISTORY OF THE 

time the companies that were to form this magnificent regiment of cavalry were 
rapidly being recruited and on their way to the rendezvous at Chicago. The first 
to arrive, being Company A, recruited at Colonel Brackett's old home, Rock Is- 
land, 111. Most of them having been enlisted by September 1st, they arrived in 
camp September 15th, with their full complement of men. Here the Colonel was 
established, and as company after company came into camp, they were immed- 
iately taken in hand and vigorously drilled in military matters. Colonel Brack- 
ett from the time of the final muster of the regiment, October 26, 1861, until 
the departure to the front, February 16, 1862, was indefatigable in his endeavors 
to bring the regiment to a high state of perfection in all that pertained to a well, 
drilled and thoroughly equipped cavalry regiment. He was with us through the 
long and tedious march through Missouri to Jacksonport, serving under IVIjijor- 
General Samuel R. Curtis. 

June 12, 1862, a sharp skirmish took place between a portion of the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry and a Confederate force, in which, under the leadership of Colo- 
nel Bracket, the regiment received, in a small way, its first "baptism 8f fire," 
meeting and scattering the enemy. This was known as the "Waddell Farm" 
affair. 

June 26, 1862, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, with Steele's division, commenced 
that long and terrible march across the State of Arkansas to Helena, on the Missis- 
sippi River, the 27th of June encountering a large force of rebels at what was 
known as " Stewart's Plantation." Here the Colonel, while gallantly leading his 
regiment, was severly wounded. In this engagement the regiment suffered 
severely, losing two men killed and thirty-five wounded. Colonel Brackett, 
though suffering greatly with his wound, continued with the regiment to Helena, 
Ark., arriving there on the 14th of July, 1862. The malarial atmosphere here 
was too much for a man suffering as he was, and the Colonel was soon sent North 
to mend his shattered health. Soon after this, he was placed on detached service 
as ehief of cavalry to the Department of Missouri, with headquarters at St. Louis. 

In this important position he remained a long time, aud rejoined his regiment 
at Collierville, Tenn., about the 1st of January, 1864, and was in command of the 
Second Brigade of General Grierson's division. Sixteenth Army Corps, under 
Major-General S. A. Hurlbut. 

Not long after this Colonel Brackett was again ordered on detached service, 
and did not again rejoin his regiment, being mustered out October 26, 1864. He 
then served as inspector general of cavalry of the Army of the Cumberland. 

Since the close of the war Colonel Bracket has occupied many high military 
trusts; has been promoted in the regular army to the colonelcy of the Third 
United States Cavalry; has been superintendent of cavalry recruiting service, and 
is now in command at Fort Clark, Texas, his present address, May, 1888. 

SKETCH OF COLONEL HARPER. 
Joseph W. Harper entered the volunteer service of from Belvidere, 111., 
where he had been active in recruiting men for the army, who became a part of 
Company I, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and was mustered in as second lieutenant, 
October 23, 1861. He was promoted to be first lieutenant, November 17, and 
was again promoted captain, on the discharge of Captain Chidister, October 3, 
186a. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 193 

Captain Harper was one of our best officers. A brave man, a strict disciplin- 
arian, he was always ready for duty, and during the expeditions and scouts in 
Arkansas, Company I did their full share in all the regiment was called upon to 
perform. 

After the Ninth came up the Mississippi River to Memphis, Tenn., in the 
spring of 1863, Captain Harper was often at the front, and when the Veteran 
organization of the Ninth was in progress, he was again active in enlisting, and 
was sent north during the winter 1863-64, and was largely instrumental in fill- 
ing up the regiment again during the spring and summer. After the return of 
the regiment from veteran furlough, he was often in command of a battalion, and 
was always to be relied upon as a skillful, prompt, and efficient officer. When 
the Ninth Illinois Cavalry was with General Hatch, in the famous sixty-four days' 
campaign on the borders of Tennessee and Alabama, and while in front of Hood's 
army onShoal Creek, Franklin and on to Nashville, Captain Harper was in command 
of the regiment, and right well and gallantly did he maintain himself and the 
splendid regiment he so ably commanded, in the fall and early winter of 1864. 
Then, after a brief rest at Nashville, the old Second Brigade moved out on the 
15th of December, 1864. At Nashville, the tried veterans of the Ninth were still 
under the skillful leadership of Captain Harper, who, while gallantly leading the 
determined charge on the rebel works, was struck down by a painful wound in 
the arm, and was compelled to relinquish the command of the regiment to Cap- 
tain Mock. After this, Captain Harper was sent north, and when he returned 
the Captain's bars were replaced by the eagle on his shoulder. Again he assumed, 
command of the Ninth, marched through with the regiment to Montgomery, 
Ala., and from there to Gainesville, where Colonel Harper was placed in 
command of the Sub-District of Alabama, under Major-General Charles R. 
Woods. 

But the war was over. The fighting Ninth felt that its mission was accom 
plished, and all were anxious to resume citizenship. Colonel Harper received orders 
to report with his regiment at Selma, Ala., to be mustered out of service, 
from there proceeding to Springfield, 111., and his military career was ended. 

Since the war the Colonel located in Missouri, where he has large coal and 
real estate interests. His present address is Hamilton, Mo. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SOLOMON A. PADDOCK. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Solomon A. Paddock was born about 1822. 

On the breaking out of the war he left a large practice as a physician at 
Princeton, 111., and went to work with energy and great ardor, accomplishing 
good work in recruiting and organizing troops. 

He came with his company to Camp Douglas, and was mustered in as cap- 
tain of Company K, in October, 1861. 

December 2nd he was appointed Lieutenant-Colonel, and was very active in 
all that pertained to military life. 

Though a man of sturdy appearance, his health was not good, and being taken 
with a severe illness while en route to St. Louis with the regiment, he died sud- 
denly on the 18th of February, 1862. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Paddock was a man of brilliant intellect, and thoroughly 
patriotic, kindly and hearty in speech and manner, he won the love and respect of 
13 



194 HISTORY OF THE 

all with whom he came in contact. No doubt had he lived to have seen service, 
he would have made a splendid record. 

SKETCH OF GENERAL SICKLES. 

Hiram F. Sickles was about forty years of age when he joined the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry; was commissioned by Governor Yates as one of the Majors in 
September, 1861, having been in the United States Navy in 1838, also served in 
the Topographical Department with Wilkes' expedition to the South Seas, and 
with Captain Taylor's expedition. He left the navy in 1848. 

On the death of Lieutenant-Colonel Paddock, in February, 1862, Major 
Sickles was promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of the Ninth, and aided in th e 
organization of the regiment, and was assigned the duty of obtaining march- 
ing orders for the command from Camp Douglas to the field. When the com- 
mand was well on the way toward Jacksonport, Colonel Sickles with a small 
detail was ordered back to Pilot Knob to draw a large sum of money for Gen 
eral Steele's command, and on this occasion encountered the first lot of the bush- 
whacking scoundrels, and was fired upon several times, but reached the command 
in safety with the money entrusted in his care. 

In the month of May Colonel Sickles, with a battalion of the Ninth, was 
ordered to Cotton Plant, Ark., to destroy the rebel telegraph station communi- 
cating that part of Arkansas with Little Rock, with the intermediate stations at 
Des Arc and DuVall's Bluff, the distance being about one hundred miles and four 
days was the limitation of time named in the order to consummate this matter and 
return to camp. 

At Village Creek, six miles from camp, the enemy had removed the 
planks from the bridge across the rapid stream and lay in ambush on the oppo- 
site side. The Colonel dismounted his men, and, driving the rebs out, re-laid the 
stringers and led the horses over; proceeded on their way, having a running fight 
nearly the whole distance, and accomplished their mission; captured several 
prisoners. The expedition was performed within the four days' time specified in 
the order, having marched an average of fifty miles a day without the loss of a 
single man, and only three slightly wounded. This was regarded as a very rapid 
march and a successful expedition. 

During his connection with the regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Sickles was at 
times in command of the Ninth, remaining with them, and sharing their hard- 
ships of field, march, and camp until the 23d of January, 1863, when he resigned 
on account of disability contracted while in the line of duty in the field. 

In the early part of 1865 Colonel Sickles again entered the service, this time 
as Colonel of the One Hundred and Forty-seventh Illinois Infantry, leaving Camp 
Frye, Chicago, 111., February 25, and proceeded to Louisville, Ky., to Nashville, 
and then to Chattanooga, Tenn., and Dalton, Ga., where Colonel Sickles assumed 
command of the post. 

March 16th his regiment became a part of the Army of the Cumberland. 

Colonel Sickles was, during a large part of his service, in 1865-66, either in 
command of a brigade or on detached service, and in all places acquitted 
himself as a gentlemen and soldier; was finally mustered out on January 20, 1866, 
having previously been promoted to a Brigadier-General. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 195 

Since the war General Sickles' home has been in the West. He has been 
commissioner, and engaged in large land and mining interests. 
His addres, April, 1888, Jasper, Rio Grande County, Col. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HECTOR J. HUMPHREY. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Humpbrej', a broad-shouldeTed man about forty-two 
years of age, when he came to the regiment, was born in Bradford County, Penn., 
and was here during the Black Hawk War ; was a volunteer in some scouting 
parties in pursuit of the Indians; was in the lead mines in Wisconsin four years, 
and then attended a literary institution at Mount Morris; had been in the Meth- 
odist ministry fifteen years previous to the war. 

He enlisted one hundred men in Henry County, 111., and brought his com- 
pany into camp in the month of September, 1861 ; was mustered in as Captain of 
Company B, September 19, 1861 ; promoted Major September 25, and mustered 
in October 26, 1861; was again promoted to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy January 
16, 1863, on the resignation of Lieutenant-Colonel Sickles, and served with the 
regiment till December 10, 1863, when he was mustered out at Memphis, Tenn. 
After he left the service Colonel Humphrey made his home in Missouri and again 
eutered the ministry, and died there about the year 1876. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL BURGH. 

Harry Beverley Burgh, Lieutenant-Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was born 
in England of Irish parentage, April 22, 1835. His father was engaged in the ship- 
ping business at Liverpool. Circumstances connected with that business made 
Harry acquainted with officers of American vessels, and he became infused with 
an incontrollable desire to visit the New World. At the age of fifteen he reached 
New York, where he immediately secured a situation as clerk in a shipping 
office and resided there three years. About this time he accidentally met an old 
friend and school-mate, Hubert Vesey, who was then in the Regular Army. 
Sergeant Vesey was six years older; he was stationed at Carlisle Barracks, Penn., 
adn was then on a visit to New York City. He was a man of magnificent physi- 
que, the beau ideal of a cavalry soldier, and with his military air and bearing quite 
captivated the youthful Harry, who immediately enlisted with the dashing dra- 
goon, and himself became a soldier. He was sent to the Cavalry School of In- 
struction, where he received a thorough course of training in horsemanship, sword 
exercise, manual of arms, and all the duties of a soldier. To this training he owed 
his success as an officer during the war. After a brief service of two years on the 
frontier, during which time he had been twice engaged with the Indians and pro- 
moted to Quartermaster-Sergeant, he grew tired of the monotony of garrison life, 
and made applicatian for discharge, which was granted, as he was still under 
age. 

In 1854 he married Carrie Sammel, of Meadville, Penn., and soon afterward 
settled in Rock Island, 111., where he has continued to reside to the present time. 
At the breaking out of the War of the Rebellion he was engaged in mercantile 
pursuits. At the earliest opportunity he disposed of his stock of goods, sacrificing 
a large percentage, and arranged his business so as to enter the army as a volun- 
teer. This was in August, 1861, and about this time he received a letter from Col. 
A. G. Brackett, thenacaptain in the Regular Army, informing him that he was. 



L96 IIISTnKY OF THE 

empowered by the Secretary of War to raise a regiment of cavalry in the Wesl 
for the service < f the United States, and suggesting that a company he raised for 
said regiment in Hock Island County. The suggestion was acted upon, and a 
company was raised at once, being tilled and taken to Chicago within two weeks 
from the day of beginning. It was the pioneer company of the regiment, and 
was composed of one hundred fine looking athletic young men. On the arrival of 
the company at Chicago, September 15, 1861, it was received at the depot by 
Colonel Brackett, a number of the officers of the companies being raised in Chi- 
cago, and by a delegation of the Union Defense Committee, who escorted it to 
one of the principal hotels of the city, where breakfast was served to the men. 
Commencing September 1, 1861, companies were being raised for the regiment at 
various points in Illinois and Indiana, and the utmost efforts were made by those 
interested to take the first company into camp, so as to entitle it to be the ranking 
company and the place of honor. Captain Burgh's company being the first to 
arrive was designated Troop A. The company was raised much quicker than 
was expected, and its arrival anticipated the arrangements for its reception. No 
transportation by street car or otherwise was provided, so immediately after 
breakfast on the morning of arrival Captain Burgh marched his company to 
Cottage Grove, where he went into quarters in what was then called Camp Frc-e- 
mont. It was here that the military training received in the Regular Army some 
years before became useful, not only to the young captain and his company, but 
to the regiment. Requisitions were immediately made for camp and garris< n 
equipage, guards were mounted, sentinels posted, and military life at once begun. 
Next day, Monday, the captain commenced to drill his company, and a few days 
later Colonel Brackett established his headquarters at Camp Fremont. On Sep- 
tember 18 Company A was mustered into the United States service. On the 
19th Companies B and C arrived from Henry County, and detachments 
came in from the several companies beingraised in Chicago. Colonel Braekett's 
time being taken up with the many duties incident to the organization of a regi- 
ment of cavalry, appointed Captain Burgh to special duty as acting drill master 
of the regiment. Captain Burgh drilled the officers, taught them the sword exer- 
cise, and the manual of arms. In an incredibly short space of time the officers 
became so proficient in the drill that they taught their companies, "and the regi- 
ment at once became famous for its superior drill and discipline. Company A's 
exhibitions of drill in the manual of arms, sword exercise, and platoon move, 
ments were regarded in those days as simply marvelous. 

From the time of Captain Burgh's arrival in camp, he was accorded a front 
rank as a soldier of experience and ability. His company was always ready ('< r 
duty, and thoroughly well prepared by their young Captain for anything in the 
way of military service. Captain Burgh was promoted Major August 16, 1862. 
In the fall he was in command of a battalion of the Ninth with General Wash- 
burn in Mississippi, where his little command performed excellent service at 
Oakland and Coffeeville, November 6 and 7, 1862, and on his return received 
the thanks of General Washburn for the handsome manner in which he handled 
his battalion. 

A tier the Ninth moved up to Memphis, Major Burgh was very active in se- 
curing arms, and replenishing our stock of horses, and was at the time Inspector- 
General for General Washburn at Memphis. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 197 

May 15, 1863, in command of a battalion of the Ninth and a detachment of 
the Third Illinois Cavalry, he had a very lively fight with and executed a very 
clever retreat from a large force of the enemy under the rebel General Chalm- 
ers. 

In August, 1863, Major Burgh made a brilliant movement across the Talla- 
hatchie, capturing Grenada, and aiding in the capture and destruction of a very 
large amount of property. While the regiment was at Corinth, Miss., Major 
Burgh was in command. 

Major Burgh was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, Decemler 10, 1863, and was 
in command of the regiment almost constantly till the time of his muster- 
out. 

In the great raid of General William Sooy Smith and General Grierson to 
West Point, Miss., in February, 1864, Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh command* d the 
Ninth, and his management of the regiment was very fine, particularly in the 
skillful manner in which he ambushed the rebel General Forrest, who had been 
pressing us hard all day, but who here received so severe a check, that we had no 
more trouble that night, and not much more during the remainder of that disas- 
trous retreat, for which gallant action he received the highest praise from both 
Generals Smith and Grierson. 

After the return to Germantown, Colonel Burgh was very active in re or- 
ganizing the regiment, and returned to the North with the Veterans of the 
Ninth. 

April 30th, the regiment returned to Memphis with a large force of recruits, 
and as they continued to join the regiment during the spring, Colonel Burgh 
took them in hand, and with the ability that marked all his military career, pro- 
ceeded to make good soldiers of them. It was at this time that his good judgment 
and rare tact were shown in his efforts to procure for us the splendid arms as an 
outfit for the regiment, the Spencer carbine, and soon afterward a complete outfit 
of horses. 

In Colonel Burgh's fine management of the regiment on two expeditions in 
July and August, 1864, under General A. J. Smith against the Confederates, he 
brought great praise, not only to himself, but to the noble regiment he so ably 

commanded. 

August 24, 1861, on the march returning from the expedition to Oxford, 
Miss., Colonel Burgh was overcome with coup dt soleil, the result of heat pro- 
longed fatigue, and over exertion. This was the last expedition on which Colonel 
Burgh commanded the regiment, and Hurricane Creek was the last fight in 
which he was engaged. In October following, when the c< mmand was ordered 
to take the field and cross the Tennessee River, Colonel Burgh, not having con- 
valesced sufficiently for active duty, was left at Memphis in command of the 
detatchment of the First Division, and later joined the regiment at Nashville, 
Tenn. Still suffering from the effects of sunstroke and receiving no encourage- 
ment from Surgeon Christy, in whose skill and treatment we all had great faith, 
and being disheartened by enforced inactivity, Colonel Burgh decided to go home 
and endeavor to recover his lost health, and December 4, 1&64, he was mustered 
out of the service. 

Colonel Burgh has continued to reside at Rock Island, 111., to the present 
time. 



198 HISTORY OF THE 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL MOCK. 

A. R. Mock was born in Randolph County, Ind., June 5, 1836, and came to 
Cambridge, 111., in 1855, where he remained for a number of years, but returned 
to Indiana to read law, and later went to Missouri and engaged in teaching, and 
was there when the opening scenes of the Rebellion came upon us. He was 
known as a Union man, and it was only through the aid and influence of some 
personal friends that he was saved from violence, and as the rebel army was 
already formed it was with some difficulty and danger that he made his way to 
the North . 

Soon after his return to Cambridge, in the fall of 1861, he in common with 
many of the patriotic young men of his town, caught the war fever and enlisted 
September 10, 1861, in a company then being recruited by John S. Buckles for 
the cavalry regiment of Colonel Brackett. 

Arriving in camp with his company he was appointed First Sergeant of 
Company C, and in this position showed himself to be of such material as good 
soldiers are made from. A vacancy occurring in Company H, he was transferred 
to that company and promoted to be Second Lieutenant, on the 1st of October 
was transferred back to Company C as First Lieutenant, and on the 8th of Octo- 
ber was detailed as Regimental Quartermaster for two months during the absence of 
Quartermaster Price, on sick leave. On the return of Captain Price, Lieutenant 
Mock rejoined his old Company C, but was not permitted to remain here long 
when he was again detailed to take charge of another company, and was placed in 
command of Company B, of which company he was made Captain June 11, 
1863. 

In all these changes and promotions the young soldier showed himself to be 
always ready and capable, gaining the commendation of his superior officers and 
the respect and love of his brother officers and comrades, always courteous and 
even-tempered, and possessed of good, hard common sense, he was a modest and 
good soldier. 

Captain Mock was promoted to a Mayorship the 23d of September, 1864, and 
again promoted to be Lieutenant-Colonel December 5, 1864, and was mustered 
out of the service October 31, 1865. on the final muster-out of the regiment. 

Colonel Mock was with the regiment in all the years of its service, always 
ready to do his full duty as a soldier. In all the prominent battles and 
engagements that the regiment was in, he was with them, and whether in com- 
mand of a squad, a company, a battalion, or the regiment, he was found equal to 
the occasion. 

Since the close of the war Colonel Mock has been a successful practitioner at 
the bar, has been Prosecuting Attorney in his county, has twice represented 
his district in the Legislature, and was a delegate to the National Convention at 
Cincinnati, in 1876. His present address, May, 1888, is Cambridge, 111. 

SKETCH OF MAJOR HOUGH. 

Major Rosell M. Hough, a Chicago man of prominence, who is known as 
a man of much perseverance and ability, always bringing a clear head and a 
large amount of energy to whatever he undertakes. 

Major Hough, before his connection with the Ninth, had seen service at 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 199 

Black Water, Mo. He was wounded while in command of a body of cavalry 
guarding a baggage train, and four of bis men were wounded also, but the enemy 
lost seventeen killed and seventy-five taken prisoners. The Major never served 
with the Ninth, but was on the staff of General Hunter. He resigned his com- 
mission in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry /April 23, 1862, and was commissioned, June 
13, 1862, Colonel of the Sixty-seventh Illinois Infantry; three months' men, 
which regiment relieved Veteran troops at Camp Douglas, until October, when- 
the regiment was mustered out of service . 

Colonel Hough's present home is still in Chicago. 

SKETCH OF MAJOR WALL1S. 

William J. Wallis joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, in September, 1861, at 
Chicago, 111., having previously been Major in a militia organization, the Wash- 
ington Independent Regiment, No. 1, of Chicago. Learning of Colonel Brackett's 
intention to raise a cavalry regiment, he tendered his services, and on his success- 
ful endeavor to recruit a company, with those brought together by L. Cowen and 
J. H. McMahon, he was mustered into the United States service as Captain of 
Company D, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 26, 1861. 

The jolly Captain became a popular man. and was promoted to be Major by 
election when Major Sickles was promoted Lieutenant-Colonel, February 18, 
1862. 

At Benton Barracks, Mo., he was assigned the command of a battalion of 
the regiment with orders to assist the Quartermaster in the organization of his 
train, etc., and joined the two battalions that had preceded him at Pilot Knob 
about the 1st of March, 1862, and was again placed in command of the rear 
while the main part of the regiment moved forward to the Little Black River, in 
Missouri, then, rejoining the command, was placed with his battalion in com- 
mand of the advance, and on a scouting expedition reached the Currant River, 
and crossing, was the first man of the commaud to put his foot on the Arkansas 
side of the river, a State of which the regiment afterward saw much and has 
good cause to remember. Soon after he received orders to report to Colonel Con- 
rad Baker, of the First Indiana Cavalry, at Pocahontas, Ark., and march- 
ing all night, reached Bird's Point, Ark., and had a slight skirmish with 
the enemy before entering Jacksonport. The regiment coming up, and 
later when the command crossed the Black River, Major Wallis was left with 
two companies in command of Jacksonport. 

When the rebel gunboat " Maurepas " shelled the camp of the Ninth the 
regiment had already vacated and moved back toward Batesville. Major Wallis' 
battalion was sent out foraging, and in June quite a sharp affair occurred, in 
which the Major, while in the front during the action, received a shot in the leg, 
and when the fight was over was taken to the temporary hospital established by 
Dr. James Brackett, but, with his usual kindness and consideration of others, 
would not allow the surgeon to dress his wound until all those more severely 
wounded had received attention. 

After the regiment reached Helena it was not long before the Major was 
again on duty, and was ever ready and active in the faithful performance of 
everything in the line of military life. 



200 HISTORY OF THE 

Major Wallis resigned January 3, 1863, returned to his old home, Chicago, 
where he has continued to reside since, and which is his present address, May, 
1888. 

SKETCH OF MAJOR GIFFORD. 

Ira R. Gifford entered the Ninth Illinois Cavalry as Captain of Company E, 
and was mustered into the service Octoher 3, 1861. 

Captain Gilford had enlisted a number of men at Logansport, Ind., and came 
to Chicago expecting to go into the First Western Cavalry, but when it was 
found that it was to be an Illinois regiment he entered into it just as heartily. 
He was an indefatigable worker, and of considerable military ability, and being 
a fine judge of horses he was appointed as one of the inspectors of the horses of 
the Ninth, as they were brought to us. 

The gallant Captain commanded Lis company with much skill until January 
3, 1863, when he was commissioned Major in the regiment, and there in a 
broader field of command he proved himself to be a fine officer, and was often in 
command of abattalion, sometimes of the regiment. 

The battalion commanded by him at Senatobia in June, 1863, did most excel- 
lent service, and the Major was commended for his bravery, and in many of our 
scouts in Tennessee and Mississippi during 1863-64 Major Gifford was always 
ready and managed his command with much skill. 

He was mustered out at the expiration of his term of service at Memphis, 
Tenn., September 23, 1864, where be remained engaged in business for some 
time. 

In later «fears he removed to the East and lias been engaged in business in 
Brooklyn, N. Y., for many years past, where he still lives a hale and hearty 
gentleman, who remembers and greets old comrades of the Ninth with feelings of 
deep regard. 

His address, 1888, is Brooklyn, N. Y. 

SKETCH OF MAJOR BISHOP. 

Linus D. Bishop was by profession a lawyer, and also of a literary turn, and 
was at one time editor of the Henry County Dial, at Kewanee. 111., which posi- 
tion he successfully filled tor a period of five years. In the summer of 1861 he 
threw down the pen, which he had so gracefully wielded for many years, and 
took up the mightier weapon of the sword. He was active in the recruiting of 
a company for the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, which later became Company H, and 
of which he was elected Captain, and commissioned October 17, 1861. 

The Captain had served a two years' course at Captain Partridge's Military 
School, at Norwich, Yt., which training was valuable to him in the new field 
which he had chosen. A vacancy occurring in January, 1863, in one of the 
Mayorships, Captain Bishop was commissioned to be Major in the Ninth. His 
social qualities and genial disposition won the new Major many friends, but his 
easy going and rather indolent qualities were against him as a successful warrior. 

While Captain of Company II, he was appointed Provost-Marshal at Jack- 
sonport, Ark., and was on detatched service and leave of absence from the regi- 
ment much of the time, while holding commissions in the same. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 201 

He was mustered out in the fall of 1864, returning to Illinois, where he died 
a few years subsequently. 

SKETCH OF MAJOR McMANNIS. 

William McMannis joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry from Princeton, 111., 
and was mustered into the service October 26, 1861, as Second Lieutenant of 
of Company K, and was promoted First Lieutenant October 1, 1862, again pro- 
moted to be Captain, December 31, 1863, and was commissioned Major in the 
Ninth September 23, 1864, and was mustered out October 31, 1865, at Selma, 
Ala. 

Major McMannis served all through the war as a brave and gallant officer. 
He was ever on the alert, and with his fine company, whose commander he was 
for a large part of his four years' service, his record was excelled by none. Espe- 
cially at Guntown, Miss., and at Lawrenceburg and Campbellsville, Tenn., 
this gallant officer gained laurels, and received high commendations from his 
superior officers for his gallant, soldierly conduct; and again at Nashville, and 
in the pursuit of Hood's army to the Tennessee River, while in command of his 
battalion, he showed himself to be a skillful leader of men. From Eastport, 
Miss., he was sent, in command of his battalion, to Tuscumbia, Ala., and later 
was stationed at Gainesville, Ala., to administer the amnesty oath, and then, as 
president of a court martial, at Selma, where he, with the regiment, was finally 
mustered out. 

Returning to his old home in Princeton, 111., he was soon elected Treas- 
urer of Bureau County, and engaged extensively in farming, and a few years 
later emigrated to Texas, where he is at this time engaged in stock farming on a 
large scale. 

His present address, 1888, is Baird, Tex. 

SKETCH OF MAJOR SHATTUCK. 

Leander L. Shattuck enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 12, 
1861, at Spring, 111., and on the muster in of Company I, October 23, 1861. was 
appointed First Sergeant. He was commissioned to be Second Lieutenant No- 
vember 17, 1861, promoted First Lieutenant October 4, 1862, and Captain De- 
cember 14, 1864. 

Serving well and faithfully with the company all these years, and having 
won the respect and regard of all with whom be came in contact, serving a part 
of the time on General Court Martial and as Division Quartermaster on the slaff 
of General Hatch, Captain Shattuck was promoted to be a Major in the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry, May 10, 1865, serving with the regiment until the end of the 
war. 

He was appointed by General Charles R. Woods to administer the amnesty 
oath at Tuscaloosa, Ala., and was there stationed when the welcome order came 
to proceed to Selma for the muster-out of the Ninth, then returned with the reg- 
iment to Springfield, 111., for final payment and discharge. 

After the war Major Shattuck was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Elgin, 
111., but in the year of 1869, took his way to the oil fields of Pennsylvania. His 
address, May, 1888, is Titusville, Penn. 



202 HISTORY OF THE 

SKETCH OF MAJOR CLARK. 

Atherton Clark enlisted in the volunteer service, September 11, 1861, at 
Princeton, 111., and in the organization of Company K, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 
was mustered into the service as First Sergeant of his Company October 26, 
serving in that capacity until October 1, 1862, -when he was commissioned Second 
Lieutenant. 

December 3d, was promoted to be First Lieutenant, and on the 23d of Sep- 
tember, 1864, was commissioned Captain of his company, serving all these year s 
as a brave, gallant, and faithful officer, beloved by all his comrades and having 
the respect and confidence of all. 

May 10, 1865, he was again promoted, this time to be Major and remained on 
duty constantly with the regiment until his final muster out October 3, 1865. 

Of Major Clark it may be said that he was one of the most popular men in 
the regiment, ever courteous and prompt, brave and ready at all times to perform 
his full duty, his genial hearty manner made him a favorite with all. 

His present address, May 1888, is Princeton. 111. 

SKETCH OF ADJUTANT KNOX. 

Lieutenant Joseph H. Knox, the. son of the late Hon. Joseph Knox, was a 
graduate of Williams' College, and had just been admitted to the bar, when he 
joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 18, 1861. He was immediately 
commissioned Adjutant, which position he filled with credit to himself and 
gained the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. 

December 2, 1861, he was transferred to Company K with the rank of 
First Lieutenant, remaining on duty with the regiment until April 5, . 1862, 
when he resigned at Black River, Mo., on account of disability caused by rheu- 
matism, returning to his home in Chicago, he resumed the practice of law, and 
remained here some years, attaining considerable prominence in his profession. 

At a later date he became impressed with the idea that the Great West offered 
superior inducements to a young man in his profession, and removed to Lincoln, 
Neb., where he was at once assigned a leading position at the bar, and where 
he died September 25, 1870, at the early age of thirty-one j'ears, highly esteemed 
by all who knew him. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT STEVENSON. 

Thomas W. Stevenson joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry September 10, 1861, 
and was mustered in with Company E, soon after was detailed as clerk at head- 
quarters, where his ability was so marked that he was not long thereafter pro- 
moted to be Adjutant of the regiment, with rank of First Lieutenant, which 
responsible position he ably filled till the following April, when he was trans- 
ferred to Company H, as First Lieutenant. 

Lieutenant Stevenson remained with the regiment till October 1, 1862, when 
he resigned his commission and returned to the North. 

SKETCH OF ADJUTANT POWER. 

William A. Power was born in Pittsfield, Mass., October 16, 1842, and came 
to Henry County, 111., in 1859; enlisted in Company B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 




GEDRG-E B, CHRISTY. 



Surgeon. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 203 

September 1, 1861; served faithfully with his company tillJune 27, 1862, when 
he was wounded at the fight at Stewart's Plantation. , 

He re-enlisted as a Veteran and was promoted Sergeant at once; was again 
promoted to be Sergeant-Major of the regiment, and September 29, 1864, was again 
promoted and commissioned Adjutant of the regiment with rank of First Lieu- 
tenant. 

During the period of his service, he was in all the engagements of import- 
ance that took place. He was captured by the enemy November 19, 1864, and 
escaped the next day. 

He was one that was always ready for duty and equal for whatever demands 
were made upon him. 

His bright and cheery nature made him a favorite with all. After his pro- 
motion to the Adjutancy, his ability and fine education made itself felt, and he 
was a valuable adjunct to the staff of the regiment. 

He served with his regiment through the battle of Nashville, and in the pur- 
suit of Hood was ever active and brave, and was always to be relied upon in the 
discharge of his manifold duties as Adjutant. 

He remained with the regiment, constantly on duty till the final muster-out 
of the command at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865, then engaged in railroad busi- 
ness. 

For many years he has been a resident of Dakota, where he is engaged 
extensively in raising fine stock and large farming operations. His present address 
is Power, Dak. , May, 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT WATERBURY. 

Charles M. Waterbury enlisted at Chicago, 111., September 10, 1861, in Com- 
pany L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; was soon thereafter promoted to be regimental 
Sergeant-Major, but did not remain here long, when, in the battalion formation 
of the regiment, he was commissioned Adjutant of the First Battalion with the 
rank of First Lieutenant. 

In this position he proved himself to be a brave and faithful officer, and, by 
his genial manners and attention to duty, won the respect and friendship of all 
with whom he came in contact. 

He was mustered out in the summer of 1862, under an order from the Adju- 
tant-General discontinuing these positions, but remained with the regiment till the 
fall, acting as Regimental Adjutant. 

From the army Comrade Waterbury came to Chicago, and later removed to 
New York City, his present address is 21 Park Row, New York, June, 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT ROCKWOOD. 

Samuel Lockwood enlisted September 12, 1861, at Belvidere, 111., in Company 
I, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, January 1, 1862. He was promoted Battalion Adjutant 
and commissioned First Lieutenant, serving with the regiment in that capacity 
well and faithfully, till the order came to muster out the extra Lieutenants in the 
battalion organizations. 

He resigned, on account of ill health, April 10, 1862. Lieutenant Rockwood 
•died at Plum Creek, Neb., in 1886. 



2'H HISTORY OF THE 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT CANTELLO. 

Frank Cantello enlisted in Company B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, at Genesee-,.. 
111., September 1, 1861; was appointed Sergeant, and was commissioned, January 
1, 1862, Battalion Adjutant with rank of First Lieutenant, remaining with the 
regiment much liked by all till the spring of 1862, when he was mustered out as 
thi' Battalion Adjutants were discontinued. 

Lieutenant Cantello's present address, 1888, is Peoria, 111. 

SKETCH OF QUARTER MASTER PRICE. 

Captain Samuel H. Price, Quartermaster of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was 
a native of Virginia, a graduate of Amherst College, studied law in Brattleboro, 
Vt., where he married, and practiced his profession at Windsor, Vt., until 1848. 

His health failing, he abandoned his profession and entered into active busi- 
ness in the lumber trade in Chicago from 1854 to 1857, and then in the insurance 
business till the summer of 1861, when, offering bis services to Governor Yat< s, 
he was commissioned Quartermaster of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. In this posi- 
tion his fine business training and habits eminently qualified him for the duties 
devolving upon him. 

Captain Price was always a gentleman, and faithfully performed all the 
duties of his (at times) trying position . A position which was at all times one of 
responsibility. 

The hardships of the service again undermined his healtb. which gave way 
during the long encampment at Helena, and he was granted a leave of absence to 
recruit his shattered health. Becoming better he returned to the regiment at 
Helena, but was obliged to leave his post again. He died in Chicago April 8, 1863. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT ANGLE. 

Daniel L. Angle joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry at Onarga, 111., 1862. 

He was commissioned on the death of Captain S. II. Price to be Quartermas- 
ter of the Ninth, and served with the regiment until the close of the war. 

Lieutenant Angle was a sturdy type of the man, strong and positive in his 
character, and was a man who filled his place well and faithfully, unostentatious, 
but a worker doing with his might what his hands found to do. He was re- 
spected by all who knew him. 

Since the war Lieutenant Angle has been active in bush i ss, : i d is now lo- 
cated in Kansas City, Mo., May 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT JOSEPH W. BRACKETT. 

Joseph W. Brackett was born in Otsego, County, N. Y., in the year 
1815, and came to Rock Island, 111., in the early history of the State: entered the 
military service of the Volunteer Army as Quartermaster of the First Battlion 
of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry with rank of First Lkutf rant ,l:ii!,]\ ],18C2, 
and moved by rail with the regiment to St. Louis, Mo., February 17, 1862, and 
thence to Pilot Knob or Ironton, Mo., February 26, and from there march* d on 
the Ttli of March to East Ironton, and the 12th to the Big Black River at Revees* 
Station, crossed the river and went into camp. 

March 23d, four companies of the regiment, K, L, B and F, under command 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 205 

•of Lieutenant-Colonel Hiram F. Sickles, marched for Pattersonville, Wayne 
County, Mo., Lieutenant Brackett having ordeisto gather supplies of provisions 
and forage from the surrounding country, and Colonel Sickles having orders to 
patrol the roads and to prevent the entrance of spiritous liquor, and to destroy 
the same when found; in April he was ordered north with the Battalion Quar- 
termasters, and was mustered out at St. Lotus, Mo., on April 7 1862 ; was 
again commissioned by Governor Richard Yates, of Illinois, First Lieu- 
tenant Company C, of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, vice Blakemore, promoted, 
and returned immediately to the detachment at Pattersonville, and again tock 
up the duties of Quartermaster and Commissaiy. 

Sunday, June 1, 1802, in accordance with orders received, the detachment of 
four companies began their march to rejoin the regiment at headquarters at 
Jacksonport, Ark. June 12 the regiment and quarters removed to Paracmelte 
Bluff, Tonsal's Ferry, Black River; marched June 26 from Jackson 
port with General Curtis' large aimy in that memorable and seveie ex- 
pedition to Helena, arriving at the latter place July 14, 1862. In October 
another charge was made, and Joseph W. Brackett was taken from the 
"line," and commissioned Commissary of the regiment -with rank of 
First Lieutenant, October 25, 1862. The duties of this position having been 
performed previously by him, the southern climate not agreeirg will) him 
and his health failing, he resigned from Helena, Ark., sending his resignation to 
General Grant's headquarters, which was accepted, as of date April 8, 1863. 
While with the regiment Lieutenant Brackett was always a worker, and active 
in the performance of all duties pertaining to his positions! 

He then returned to Rock Island, 111., his present address, and where he has 
been a resident for about forty years. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT MORRISON. 

Thomas E. Morrison joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and was commis- 
sioned First Lieutenant and Quartermaster of the First Battalion, which position 
he held and rilled with capability during the march to Pilot Knob, and on through 
until the regiment was on the Little Black in Missouri, when the order came to 
muster out battalion officers, when he was mustered out at St. Louis, Mo., and 
was then commissioned into his old Company E as Second Lieutenant, which 
place he filled the little time his health permitted in an entirely satisfactory man- 
ner. On that fearful march through Arkansas, from Jacksonport to Helena, he- 
was taken sick, and growing worse, died August 20, 1862, at Helena, Ark. 

Lieutenant Morrison was a cultured, pleasant gentleman, and won many 
friends during his brief stay with the Ninth. 

His remains lie on a pleasant hill o'erlooking the mighty Mississippi at Helena. 
" He sleeps his last sleep, 
He has fought his last battle." 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT SHEFFIELD. 

Frank Sheffield enlisted September 10, 1861, at Onarga, 111., in what after- 
ward became Company M, of the Ninth, was appointed Sergeant of his company 
and later was appointed Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant, January, 1862, he 



206 HISTORY OF THE 

was commissioned Battalion Quartermaster, and served as such to the entire sat- 
isfaction of all, until the spring of 1862. 

April 8th he was mustered out, and was immediately commissioned Second 
Lieutenant of his old Company M, serving with them till the 18th of October, 

1862, when, his health being poor, he resigned and returned to Illinois, his present 
address being Englewood, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT DAVENPORT. 

Edward A.. Davenport was born in New York City, April 11, 1834; came to 
Illinois in 1837, with his parents, where his home has been since that time; 
was engaged in mercantile business from 1852 to 1861, at which time, on the 
breaking out of the rebellion, he enlisted with the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Sep- 
tember 10, 1861; went with his company to Camp Douglas, September 19, and 
was soon after promoted Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant; was commissioned 
Regimental Commissary with rank of First Lieutenant, April 8, 1863, and 
served with his regiment till late in the fall of 1864, when he was placed on de- 
tached service on the staff of Colonel D. E. Coon, commanding the Second Brig- 
ade Cavalry Corps, where he served but a short time, when he was detailed as 
Division Commissary on the staff of General Edward Hatch, remaining in that 
position till the war was ended and the command of General Hatch was scattered. 
He rejoined his regiment at Gainesville, Ala., about September 1st; was mustered 
out of the service at Selma, Ala. , October 31 , 1865 ; came to Springfield, 111. , for final 
payment and discharge. The subject of this sketch was married February 15, 
1866, to Miss Elenora A. Soule, formerly of Freeport, Me. They have three 
sons — Edward Arthur Soule, Francis and Paul D. He has been a resident of 
Chicago for the last twenty-two years, which is his present address. 

Headquarters Ninth Regiment Illinois Cavalry, ) 
Germantown, Tenn., May 11, 1863. f 
Sir: Herewith I have the honor to recommend for promotion First Lieuten- 
ant Anthony R. Mock, of Company C, Ninth Regiment Illinois Cavalry Volun- 
teers, for Captain of Company B, same regiment, vice Captain Ransom Harring- 
ton, resigned. 

Captain Harrington's resignation has been accepted on the 9th day of April, 

1863. Lieutenant Mock has been in command of Company B for the last six 
months, and it is the unanimous desire of the company that he be appointed 
their Captain, including their First Lieutenant. 

I also recommend for promotion Private Edward A. Davenport, of Company 
C, Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, to the office of Regimental Commissary for 
this regiment, with the rank of First Lieutenant, vice First Lieutenant and Reg- 
imental Commissary Joseph W. Brackett, who resigned on the 8th day of April, 
1863. Davenport is a good soldier and fully competent for the position. It is the 
best I can do for the regiment, 

I am, Sir, your most obedient servant, 

(Signed) Hector J. Humphrey, 

Lieutenant- Colonel Commanding. 
To His Excellency, Richard Yates, Governor of the State of Illinois. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 207 

St. Louis, Mo., May 16, 1863. 
Approved and respectfully forwarded to Adjutant General, State of Illinois. 
Whether those promotions come under Paragraph II of General Orders No. 86, 
"War Department, A. G. O., I am unable to say. If so, I would recommend the 
appointment of Edward A. Davenport as Regimental Commissary, vice Brackett, 
resigned, and let the other cases remain for the present. 

Yours, etc., 
[Signed] Albert G. Brackett, 

Colonel Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 
To Allen C. Fuller, Adjutant- General, Illinois. 

Headquarters Second Brigade, Fifth Division C. C, ) 
Edgefield, Tenn., December 8, 1864. \ 
Special Orders No. 1. 
The following named officers are hereby detailed for duty at these headquar- 
ters, and will report without delay: 

First Lieutenant Edward A. Davenport, Regimental Commissary Nintli Illi- 
nois Cavalry. By order of Datus of E. Coon, 

Colonel Commanding Brigade. 

John H. Avery, 
Lieutenant and A. A. A. C. 
Commanding officer Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

Headquarters Fifth Division C. C. M. D. M., ) 
Eastport, Miss., March 10, 1865. )' 
General Orders No. 10. 
II. First Lieutenant E. A. Davenport, R. C. S. Ninth Illinois Cavalry, is 
hereby announced as A. C. S. Fifth Division C. C. M. D. M., and will report 
at these headquarters for duty. By order of 

Brigadier-General Edward Hatch. 
Harvey M. Colvin, 
Adjutant Twelfth Tennessee Cavalry and A. A. A. G. 
To Lieutenant E. A. Davenport, A. C. S. Fifth Division C. C. M. D. M. 

Headquarters District of Talladega, | 
Talladega, Ala., August 22, 1865. \ 

General Orders No. 2 
The following named officers are hereby relieved from duty at these head- 
quarters, and will be allowed ten days to settle their business; at the end of that 
time they will report to their Regimental Commanders for duty. 

Major E. T. Phillips, 

Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Vt. Vols. 
Lieutenant E. A. Davenport, 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Vt. Vols. 
By command of 

Brevet Major-General Edward Hatch, 
Harvey M. Colvin, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 
To Lieutenant E. A. Davenport, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 



20S i BISTORT OF THE 

Headquarters District of Talladega, ) 
Talladega, Ala., August 22, 1865. j 

Lieutenant E. . I. Davenport, /.'. 0. S., Ninth Illinois Cavalry, A. G. S., District of 

Talladega. 

Dear Sir: In compliance with orders received from Lieutcnant-General U. 
S. Grant, I shall soon have the department in which your regiment is serving, and 
report for duty in the Department of Tennessee. 

Existing orders are such as will not allow you to accompany me, and in view 
of the coming separation. I desire to express my entire satisfaction for the manner 
in which you have performed your duties in the responsible and all-important 
position of Commissary of Subsistence of my command. 

You have been prompt, faithful, and courteous, and will ever have my best 
wishes for your happiness, and an earnest recommendation for your kind consid- 
eration either in military or civil life. 

I am very truly your obedient servant, 

Edward Hatch, 
[Signed] Brevet Major- General U.S. V. 

SKETCH OF SURGEON BRACKETT. 

Dr. Charles Brackett was born in Cherry Valley, New York, June 18, 1825, 
joined the Ninth as surgeon with rank of Major, February 15, 1862. He was a 
man of rare culture, and of that genial maimer and disposition that won all with 
whom he came in contact to a warm friendship. During our long and arduous 
march through Missouri he was active in his care of the sick, and during the 
great march of the Ninth with General Curtis' army, through Arkansas, in the 
summer of 1862; Dr. Charles was a tower of strength to the sick, and in addi- 
tion to his high professional skill, the words of kindness, hopefulness, and cheer, 
to our sick and wearied soldiess, did much to keep many a poor fellow in heart, 
and from utter despondency; and in our hospitals at Helena, he was the kindly 
skillful surgeon, and friend of suffering humanity. 

Some time after our arrival at Helena, the subject of this sketch by reason of 
overwork in the care of the many sick in the command, failed in health, and a 
severe sickness ensued. He applied for a furlough to go North, but was nuable 
to secure ii in time to save his life, and died February 20, 1863, at Helena, Ark. 
Dr. Brackett was one of the best beloved officers in the regiment and was 
unusually esteemed by both officers and men of the command. 

SKETCH (>F DR. CHRISTY. 

Dr. George Ii. Christy was born January 30, 1830, and was reared in Canada 
West ; succeeded, after a hard struggle, in mastering a good education, and finally 
decided upon the study of medicine and surgery for a profession ; attended Yale 
( nl lege for a while, and finally graduated at the "Old Western Reserve College'' 
at Cleveland, Ohio. Then came farther west and settled in Lee County, .111, 
where he practiced successfully for a number of years. When the warbroke out 
he soon caught the fever, and went in as First Assistant Surgeon, of the Thirty- 
Second Illinois Infantry. On going to the front, it was his good fortune to be 
senl with General Grant's forces direct to Fort Donelson, where after four days 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 209 

of the most desperate fighting, the fort and some twelve thousand prisoners were 
taken, February 16, 1862. During that battle, Dr. Christy so won the confidence of 
Generals Grant and Sherman by his skill on the field of battle and in the hospit- 
als that he was immediately taken upon the General' staff as Surgeon-in-Chief 
of the whole army. Remaining at Fort Henry until about the 1st of April, 1862, 
Grant moved the army up the Tennessee River, as far as Pittsburgh Landing, 
where, on the 6th and 7th of April, 1862, the battle of Shiloh was fought. Here 
again, Dr. Christy had the opportunity of serving on the field. All day Sunday, 
(the first day of the battle) and for one week subsequently, put in the time on the 
Steamer " Hannibal" in doing nothing but operating, the other surgeons on the 
boat preferring and agreeing to do all the dressing of wounds and caring for the 
sick, if Dr. Christy would act as exclusive "Saw Bones," which he consented to 
do, and it was just a week before they could stop for a night's rest. There is no 
doubt but that Dr. Christy did as much or more operative surgery during that 
one week alone, than is done in a life time of ordinary practice the world over. 

Then came the siege of Corinth, fighting, skirmishing continuously. After 
taking that stronghold we moved westward across the country to Memphis, 
Tenu. In September moved east, and on October 5, 1862, fought the bat- 
tle of the Hatchie. Our losses very heavy, with a larger proportion of wounds 
requiring surgical operation than was often witnessed even in larger engage- 
ments. 

Though recommended for promotion, for his skill displayed at Shiloh and 
other "deeds," the promotion deserved by Dr. Christy did not come, and the sur- 
geon of his regiment manifesting a disposition to " hang on," he resigned Novem- 
ber 29, 1862, and returned to his home. Here the Doctor was not contented to 
stay and made application for a position in the army again, and was commissioned 
full Surgeon, with the rank of Major, in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, March 
16, 1863, and immediately joined his regiment at Helena, Ark. 

Of Surgeon George B. Christy, during his connection with the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry till its final disbandment at Springfield, 111., November, 1865, too 
much can not be said in his praise. He won the esteem and love of all, and by 
his skill as a surgeon gained the confidence and respect of every one, who was so 
unfortunate as to require his professional attention. An indefatigable worker, 
thoroughly understanding the hospital service, he did much to alleviate and make 
easier to bear the pains and suffering of wounds or disease. Ever courteous, kind, 
genial, and open-handed, he was a gentleman of whom w T e were proud. 

At the close of the war Dr. Christy established himself in Chicago, where he 
took rank as one of the first physicians in the city, but remained there only a 
short time, when he removed to Dunlap, Iowa, his present residence, March, 1888. 

SKETCH OF DR. HEMENWAY. 

Stacy Hemenway w T as born in Pleasant Township, La Porte County, Ind., 
January 13, 1836. From there his parents removed to Wisconsin Territory, 
the same year, remaining there for a period of thirteen years. Then in Iowa for 
four years, and about 1853, crossed the plains to the Pacific Coast, and settled in 
the then Territory of Oregon. 

The subject of this sketch while in Wisconsin and Iowa, managed to acquire 
14 



210 HISTORY OF THE 

a fair English education, by attending district and select schools. Afterward he 
pursued his studies privately and taught school more or less for a period of rive 
years in < >regon, when he began the study of medicine. In 1859 he returned to 
the Atlantic States via Panama, for the purpose of attending lectures on medicine 
in the hind University, Chicago, 111., now known as the Chicago Medical College, 
and graduated with the class of 1862. The War of the Rebellion then being in 
progress, he joined the National troops in the field in front of Corinth, Miss., as a 
medical officer under contract. He was commissioned Second Assistant Surgeon 
of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, July 8, 1863, and promoted First Assistant -Sur- 
geon, January 1. 1864, serving with the regiment till December 19, 18(14. 
when he was again promoted to be Surgeon of the Forty -first United States Col- 
ored Troops, serving with that regiment till the close of the war. 

Since that time he has served three years as physician for the Asylum for the 
Insane, at Stilacoon, Wash. Ty., and again as Acting Surgeon United States 
Army, for a period of nearly five years, at present is engaged at Linkville, Oreg., 
in private practice. 

While connected with the Ninth, Dr. Ilemenway was one of our most valued 
officers. Capable, faithful, courteous, he won the regard and esteem of all with 
whom he came in contact. He was a man always ready for duty. 

In the memorable and disastrous Guntown affair in June, 1864, he was the 
only medical officer present with General Grierson's Cavalry command of three 
thonsaudand, was at the front, when the picket firing began, and was active 
in caring for the wounded, and planning them into the ambulancesof the cavalry , 
which train was under his charge. 

Dr. Hemenway is now one of the leading physicians and surgeons on the 
Pacific Coast, and is a highly respected citizen of Linkville, Oreg. 

SKETCH OF ASSISTANT SURGEON BRACKETT. 

Dr. James W. Brackett, of Rock Island, was commissioned Assistant Surgeon 
of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry from September 10, 1861. 

Dr. Brackett was a man of large practical experience, and a devout believer 
in quinine, which was administered to our soldiers in doses both large and small. 
As a surgeon, he thoroughly understood his business, and his interest in and care 
of our many wounded comrades at Stewart's Plantation and later at Cotton 
Plant, won him great praise. 

Dr. James W. Brackett remained with the Ninth till June 3, 1863, wdien he 
resigned his commission, returning to his old home in Indiana, where he died 
about 1885. 

SKETCH OF ASSISTANT SURGEON HALLIDAY. 

Francis A. Halliday was born in St. Charles, Mo., October 10, 1842, enlisted 
in Company D, Ninth Illinois Cavalry on the 10th of September, 1861, at Chicago,. 
111., and was immediately detailed as dispensing druggist in the Hospital Depart- 
ment, and was promoted to Hospital Steward, August 20, 1862, and held that 
position till the expiration of his term of service, September 23, 1864. 

He was commissioned First Assistant Surgeon of the regiment, January 31 
1865, and again joined the regiment, serving till the 31st of October, 1865, when 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 211 

he was mustered out at Selma, Ala., and returned to Springfield, 111., for final 
payment and discharge, which occurred November 18, 1865. 

Since the close of the war Dr. Halliday was commissioned Surgeon in the 
Regular Army, serving five years, and later removed to Metropolis City, 111., 
and is now, 1888, engaged in the practice of his profession in that city, where he 
is highly respected as a fine physician and public-spirited citizen. 

SKETCH OF CHAPLAIN BRIGGS. 

Rev. O. Winsor Briggs, Chaplain of the regiment, was a native of Maine, a 
a man of fine education and an eloquent speaker. He was pastor of a Baptist 
church in Brooklyn, N. Y., and also of a church of the same denomination in 
Rock Island, 111., prior to his connection with the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

A man of excellent practical talent and a sincere Christian, with the convic- 
tion that he would find in camp ample scope and opportunity for the pursuance 
of his profession. Chaplain Briggs remained with the regiment, sharing the toils 
and privations that beferthe soldiers of our regiment, and by his genial manner 
endeared himself to all. 

He resigned February 23, 1863, and has been a resident of California for a 
number of years. 

His present address, April, 1888, is Berkley, Cal. 

SKETCH OF CHAPLAIN BRAYTON. 

Gideon F. Brayton joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry as Chaplain, October 28;. 
1863, while the regiment was stationed at La Grange, Tenn., and remained with 
us for about one year. 

He was a kindly and helpful man of much piety, and was most willing and 
anxious to do all in his power in the way of temporal and spiritual comfort for the 
soldiers of the Ninth, for whom he always showed a kind and lively interest. 

Chaplain Brayton was mustered out of the service September 23, 1864. His 
address, 1888, is Door Village, Ind. 

SKETCH OF GEORGE A. PRICE. 

George A. Price was born in Vestal, Broome County, N. Y.. November 4,. 
1839. When twelve years of age he went to New York, and there learned the 
trade of a hatter. In April, 1861, he went with Company E, of the Seventh Regi- 
ment, New York S. M. to Washington under the first call for troops, remaining 
with them until the regiment returned to New York in June. 

In July he went to Illinois to visit his parents. November 9, he enlisted in 
Company M, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and on the 13th was made Commissary Ser- 
geant, of his company. January 13, 1862, he was appointed Regimental Ser- 
geant-Major, and served in that capacity through the campaigns in Southeast Mis- 
souri and Northeast Arkansas, until September 4, 1862, when he was discharged 
for disability at Helena, Ark. 

In 1863 with health partially restored, he returned to New York, and the 
next year became a member of the firm of Bigelow & Co., hatters and furriers, 
Brooklyn. In 1869 the firm was re-organized under the name of Balch, Price & 
Co., and has continued the same to date. They are the leading merchants in. 
their line in the city of Brooklyn, and widely known in the trade. 



212 HISTORY OF THE 

Mr. Price joined the Grand Army of the Republic in 1884, and was soon after 
appointed Adjutant of his Post, No. 327, Department of New York, and was 
largely instrumental in securing to it the name of "U. S. Grant," after the 
decease of the great General. He served as Adjutant for three years and is now 
(June 1, 1888), the Senior Vice-Commander. 

He has twice been honored by the Commanders-in-Chief (Generals Fairchilds 
and Rea), with the appointment of Aid de-camp on their staffs. He is a member 
of the New England Society of Brooklyn (both his grandfathers having been 
born in New England), and has recently been elected President of the Bryant 
Society of Brooklyn. In February, 1865, Mr. Price was married to Miss Adel- 
aide A. Wentz, of Binghampton, N. Y. They have two sons, Henry Allen and 
Frank Julian. 

The subject of this sketch, though not long in service with the Ninth, did 
not fail to make his mark as a soldier, and while he was Sergeant-Major was 
often called upon to perform the duties of Adjutant, which he did thoroughly 
and well. He was a hard worker, and often volunteered to go out when scouts 
were in order or any prospect of fighting appeared probable. 

He was of delicate build, and his health failing, he was obliged to give up 
the idea of becoming a great soldier, and left the service in the fall of 1862. 

He is now a member of one of the largest business houses in Brooklyn, a 
prominent figure in Grand Army circles and cherishes a lively interest in his old 
comrades of the Ninth. His present address is Brooklyn, N. Y. 

SKETCH OF SERGEANT-MAJOR FITZPATRICK. 

P. V. Fitzpatrick, Sergeant-Major of the Ninth Blinois Cavalry, was born in 
Ireland July 17, 1840, arrived in America, August, 1855, resided for three years 
in Toledo, Ohio, removed to Chicago in 1858, bought a scholarship in Sloan's 
Commercial College in 1859, and graduated March 4, 1861, and in order to earn 
the right to be an American, he enlisted in Company F, of the Ninth, September 
10, 1861, and served with his company till November 1, 1862, when he was pro- 
moted to be Regimental Sergeant-Major, in which capacity he served faithfully and 
well, till at the battle of Moscow, Tenn., December 4, 1863, he was severely 
wounded by a shot in the head from a rebel bullet, from the effects of which he 
has suffered all the years since. 

Comrade Fitzpatrick was one of our best soldiers, always prompt and reliable 
in the execution of orders, and exceptionally brave. He was discharged from the 
service April 16, 1864, for disability, caused by the wound received the 4th of 
December, previous. 

He then came back to Chicago, where he has been engaged successfully in 
business for many years. He also has large mining and real estate interests at the 
West. Mr. Fitzpatrick is a thoroughly upright business man, highly esteemed 
by all who know him. His present address is 154 Twenty-second street, Chicago. 

CURTIS L. KNIGHT 

enlisted at Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861, in Company M, of the Ninth, and 
was mustered in the United States service with his company November 30, and 
was promoted on the battalion formation of the regiment to be Sergeant-Major of 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 213 

the Third BattalioD, and served through the campaigns of Missouri and Arkansas 
until October 17, 1862, when, his health failing from the hardships endured in the 
field, he received his discharge October 17, 1862. 

Having in a great measure recovered his health he re-enlisted December 3, 

1863, in Company M. He remained in service, faithfully serving his country until 

1864, when his health again giving away he received his discharge for disability. 
Comrade Knight has been placed on detached service with General Wash- 
burn at Memphis, and was one of those unfortunate individuals that was captured 
by General Forrest on his raid into Memphis, August 21, 1864. 

After the war Mr. Knight returned to his old home in Illinois, but soon after 
took up his abode in the South, where he has been in business as a merchant for 
many years. His present address is Forrest City, Ark., 1888. 

WILLIAM E. WALKER 

enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 1, 1861, in Company B, Ninth Illinois Cav- 
alry, and was promoted soon after, as Regimental Commissary Sergeant, which 
position he filled faithfully during the whole term of his service, over four years. 

" Will" was a general favorite, and there were but few expeditions made by 
the regiment in which he was not with them. He was brave and ready, and 
always to be relied upon to perform well all that was in the line of duty. 

January 1, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran, and remained till October 31, 

1865, when he was mustered out at Selma, Ala., and returned with the regiment 
to Springfield, 111., for final payment and discharge. 

Since the war Comrade Walker has been a resident of his old home in Duu- 
dee, 111., where he engaged in business, which place is still his home. 

JOHN J. SMITH, 

the first Hospital Steward of the Ninth I^i;iois Cavalry, enlisted at Rock 
Island, 111., September 1, 1861, and served l"$j$ifully with the regiment till the 
summer of 1862, when, his health failing, he was discharged at Davenport, Iowa, 
August 20, 1862, on Surgeon's certificate of disability. 

Steward Smith was about as good as a doctor, and acted as surgeon in charge 
of the Third Battalion at Patterson, Mo., but his health wa£ so poor he was 
obliged to give up hope of being a soldier. 

Since the war he has drifted about somewhat, and is now engaged in business 
in Cincinnati, his address being 55 West Fourth street, Cincinnati. 

NELSON J. FRITZON 

enlisted in Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 1, 1861, as Bugler, 
and soon after was promoted to Chief Regimental Bugler, serving acceptibly in 
that position until the summer of 1862. when the order came to muster out all 
Chief Buglers in the cavalry service. (This place being filled by the most expert 
of company buglers.) After his discharge from the service Comrade Fritzon set- 
tled in the South, and has been a successful merchant, for many years doing 
business in the cities of Helena and Hot Springs, Ark. 

He has been prominently connected with city affairs at Helena; was chief of 
the tire department for over ten years, a member of the city council for three 



214 HISTORY OF THE 

years, and is now holding the honorable position of mayor of the city for a term 
of two years, 1888. A successful, honorable man, highly esteemed by all who 
know him. His address is Helena, Ark. 

Sergeant-Major Henry Latz enlisted from Crete, October 9, 1861, in Company 
D ; promoted Sergeant-Major of the First Battalion, January 1, 1862. 

Sergeant-Major John 0. Ellis enlisted from Manchester, January 2, 1864, in 
Company I; promoted Sergeant-Ma jor; died at Montgomery Ala., August 18, 1865. 

Sergeant-Major Edgar W. Curtiss enlisted from Bradford, October 5, 1861, in 
Company K, Veteran; promoted Sergeant Major; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant John P. Harvey enlisted at Chicago, September 14, 
1861; was discharged for promotion as Captain in an infantry regiment, and died 
at Camp Butler in 1862. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant William G. Martz enlisted in Company A, September 
1, 1861; promoted Quartermaster-Sergeant of the Third Battalion January 1, 1862; 
resides at Angola, N. Y. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant James Edmunds enlisted in 1861, and promoted 
Regimental Quartermaster-Sergeant. 

Quartermaster-Sergeant James Fahey enlisted at Geneseo, 111., in Company 
B, September 1, 1861, Veteran; promoted Quartermaster-Sergeant; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Commissary-Sergeant R. Warren Caulkins enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 
1861, in Company B; promoted October 26, 1861, to Commissary Sergeant. 

George B. Crawford enlisted at Onarga, August 1, 1862, in Company M; 
promoted Hospital Steward; mustered out June 6, 1865. 

Thomas Bennett enlisted at Geneseo September 1, 1861, Veteran; promoted 
Hospital Steward; discharged July 3, 1865; resides 325 Paris street, Boston, Mass. 

Otto A. "Willis enlisted in Company D, January 13, 1865. 

Jim Bloom promoted Hospital Steward; mustered out, October 31, 1865. 

Judson A. Root enlisted in Company A, November 15, 1864; promoted Hospital 
Steward; mustered out, October 31, 1865. 

Jefferson Tappen enlisted at La Porte, Ind., September 1, 1861, in Company 
G; promoted Company and Chief Bugler of the regiment; returned to Company 
■G, and mustered out, October 31, 1865, as Sergeant; resides at Rolling Prairie, 
Ind. 

Michael O'Brine enlisted from Toledo, Ohio, September 10, 1861, in Company 
D; promoted Company and Regiment Bugler; mustered out, October 31, 1865. 

Andrew Chalmers enlisted from Selby as Veterinary Surgeon; transferred to 
Company K, September 20, 1861; discharged December 1, 1864. 

Stephen W. Hunter enlisted from Porter County, Ind., October 15, 1861, in 
Company G, Veteran; promoted Veterinary Surgeon; mustered out October 31, 
1865; resides Custer, Ohio. 

Adam Sholl enlisted at Chicago February 11, 1862, as Regiment Saddler 
Sergeant, Veteran; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

SKETCH OF GENERAL HATCH. 

Edward Hatch, a lumber merchant of Muscatine, Iowa, recruited Company 
A, of the Second Iowa Cavalry, in the month of August, 1861, and on the muster- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 215 

in of the regiment was made Lieutenant-Colonel. He was a man of fine military 
genius, and as a cavalry officer was not excelled by any. He served his country 
faithfully during all the years of the Rebellion, and gained the well-merited 
reward for the valuable services rendered, by successive promotions as Colonel, 
Brigadier-General and Brevet Major-Generalin the Volunteer Army of the United 
States. 

After the close of the war he was commissioned Colonel of the Ninth United 
States Cavalry, and is still in the army, stationed at Fort Robinson, Neb. 

Of General Hatch I should love to write much, for in addition to being my 
commander, he was my friend. Should I once commence, I do not know where 
I should stop. The members of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry all know him, and his 
military history has been written with pens far more able than mine. 

SKETCH OF GENERAL COON. 

Datus E. Coon was editor of a paper in Cerro Gordo County, Iowa, at the 
breaking out of the war, and in August, 1861, organized Company I, Second Iowa 
Cavalry, and in the muster of the regiment he was promoted Second Major. " 

The subject of this sketch was a brave, dashing, yet cautious officer. 

On the re-organization of the Second Iowa Cavalry as a veteran regiment he 
was made Colonel, and thereafter was much of the time in command of a brigade, 
and to his untiring industry, skill and courage was largely due the great efficiency 
and splendid record made by the Second Iowa Cavalry, and the old Second Brig- 
ade which he so long commanded. On many a hard fought field Colonel Coon 
and his regiment and brigade won high honors, and at Nashville so distinguished 
themselves that promotions ran all along the line, and Colonel Coon was promoted 
to be Brigadier-General. He was mustered out of the service in October, 1865. 
His present address is San Diego, Cal., where he is engaged in large real estate 
enterprises. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HORTON. 

Charles C. Horton entered the service of his country as Second Lieutenant of 
the Second Iowa Cavalry in September, 1861, and was soon after promoted Cap- 
tain of his Company, A, serving in that position until the regiment veteranized in 
the spring of 1864, when he was promoted Major, and later, was again promoted 
to the Lieutenant-Colonelcy of his regiment, serving as a brave, faithful and 
gallant officer until the final muster out of his regiment in Alabama, in October, 
1865. Of Colonel Horton it may be truthfully said that he was a fine soldier and 
commander, very popular in his regiment which he commanded a long time. 

One notable instance of his sagacity and prompt action was at Shoal Creek, 
Tenn., November 19, 1864, when the Second Brigade, commanded by Colonel Coon, 
had crossed the stream, and soon after found themselves hemmed in, and furiously 
attacked by Forrest's cavalry and a large force of Hood's army. Colonel Horton 
being in the advance discovered that they were completely in the trap set for 
them by the rebel General Forrest, and all the known fords guarded by the rebels. 
He quickly threw his regiment to the front, and then took the responsibility of 
ordering Lieutenant Boget, in charge of the pack train, to rush his train across an 
old ford which he had discovered the day before, and which was unknown to our 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

commanders as well as the enemy, then reported his action to Colonel Coon, who 
heartily approved his course and immediately ordered the whole train of the brig- 
ade to follow, and thus left the whole fighting force of the brigade free to cope 
with the large force of the enemy. This is only one of the many brilliant move- 
ments planned and promptly executed by this quick-witted officer. 

Colonel Charles C. Horton is well known to a large majority of the officers and 
men of the Ninth, who have the highest esteem for him as a soldier and are proud 
to call him " Comrade." 

Since the war the subject of this sketch has been in the revenue service of the 
Government, and was for many years stationed at Louisville, Ky., and later was 
at Athens, Tenn. 



CHAPTEK XXIII. 

Bkief Sketch of Each Company, and Company Officeks and 
Comrades. 

BRIEF sketches of each company of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry 
and some of the members is here given. Your Historian 
would have been glad to have made these accounts more full and 
sketches of members larger, but as so many of the comrades have 
failed to respond with information, he could do no more. 

The different companies of the Ninth Regiment, Illinois Vol- 
unteers, that had their full complement of men, were authorized 
to elect their commissioned officers by vote, and this had generally 
been done at the place where the majority of the company were 
recruited. 

Each company was assigned its position in the organization of 
the regiment, in accordance with the date of muster into the serv- 
ice. 

Company A was recruited at Rock Island, 111., and vicinity 
on or about September 1, 1861, mainly by the three gentlemen 
who were elected to be their first commissioned officers, viz. : Harry 
B. Burgh, Captain; William C. Blackburn, First Lieutenant; 
AVilliam M. Benton, Second Lieutenant. 

They arrived in camp September 1 5th, and were mustered into 
the service September 18, 1861, and was the senior company of 
the regiment. 

Company A was one of which the regiment was always proud, 
their captain being a graduate of a military school, and possess- 
ing the rare qualification of winning the good will and respect of 
those under his command, as well as that of his superior officers. 
His two Lieutenants were always popular men, and well qualified 
for their positions. The general make-up of the company was ex- 
cellent, always reliable, and I may truthfully say strictly military, 
and by their faithful attention to duty and every detail of camp 
and field service were looked upon as the model company of the 
regiment. 

With the main bodv of the regiment and in all prominent 



216 HISTORY OF THE 

battles and engagements, it was often called upon for special 
service, and in all cases and at all times was to be found a brave and 
gallant set of men, and when the regiment organized as a veteran 
regiment, Company A came to the' front with the largest number 
of veterans of any company in the regiment, and with the new 
men who were then promoted maintained the high reputation al- 
ready established. The number of Company A at muster into 
the service was ninety-one, the whole number enlisted in thecom- 
pany was two hundred and seven. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN HILLIER. 

David Hillier was born in Nova Scotia November 10, 1838. At the age of 
ten he removed with his parents to Rock Island, 111., from which city he enlisted 
in Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 1, 1861, and when his company 
was mustered in, September 18th, he was appointed First Sergeant, and served 
faithfully in that capacity until April 10, 1862, when he was promoted and com- 
missioned Lieutenant of Company A. Again, in the spring of 1865, he was pro- 
moted Captain, but having previously tendered his resignation he was mustered 
out of the service to date from March 21, 1865. 

Captain Hillier was a soldier of whom not only his own company, but all of 
the regiment was proud. A true soldier, brave as a lion, yet so kind and gentle 
in his manner that he was beloved by all. He served during all the years of the 
war, receiving a severe injury in the fall of his horse. An injury from which he 
suffered for over twenty years, and one which finally caused his death, June 10, 
1887, in the prime of a glorious manhood. 

He was conspicuous in the army for his cool and daring bravery and good 
judgment, an instance of which was displayed at Moscow, Tenn., December 
4, 1863, when in the hottest of the battle he, while in command of his Company, A, 
found our Sergeant-Major Fitzpatrick severely wounded and blind from the 
effects of a shot in the head. He went down the river bank under a shower of 
rebel bullets, and carried his wounded friend and comrade on his back to a place 
of safety; and again, at La Fayette, Tenn., December 26, 1863, when he with a 
little detachment of only about fifty men, mostly from Company A, held back 
the larger part of Forrest's command of four thousand men at Wolf River, and 
stubbornly fought them from early in the afternoon well into the night, thereby 
saving a train of cars on the Memphis *fc Charleston Railway from Corinth to 
Memphis from capture, and the small garrison at Collierville from being gobbled 
up by Forrest's cavalry. These are but a sample of many deeds of daring per- 
formed by brave, big-hearted Dave Hillier. 

A tier the war he returned to Rock Island, 111., and was married in 1868 to 
Miss Kate II. Lingle, of Rock Island. In 1871 he removed to Milwaukee, and 
engaged in the livery business, and returned to Rock Island in 1873, and engaged 
in the boot and shoe business. This was his occupation up to the time of his 
death. He was highly esteemed while living, ami at the time of his death was 
much regretted by the people among whom lie had lived for nearly thirty years, 
and by his army comrades throughout the coiuitry. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 217 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN BLACKBURN. 

William C. Blackburn joined his fortunes with the Ninth Illinois, Cavalry 
from Rock Island, 111., September 18, 1861, as First Lieutenant of Company A. 
He was a splendid specimen of a soldier. Brave, daring and ambitious, he 
entered into his new field with ardor. April 10, 1862, he was transferred to the 
staff of the regiment as Adujtant of the Second Battalion, which position Le filled 
acceptably, and while in command of Company H, at Gray's Bridge, Ark., May 
28th received a slight wound while endeavoring to force a passage over the 
Cache River. 

On the promotion of Captain Burph to a mayorship, August 15, 1862, Lieu- 
tenant Blackburn was promoted Captain of his old Company A, and served with 
them in many a fight and skirmish. In the fall of 1864 when many of the officers 
were being mustered out of the service Captain Blackburn remained, and when 
the cavalry expedition of General Hatch left Memphis, Tenn., September 30, 

1864, he was the senior officer and was in command of the the regiment. Novem- 
ber 24th, at Campbellsville, Tenn., he was taken prisoner, by the enemy and suf- 
fered at Meridian, Cahaba and Andersonville prisons all the horrors that fell to 
the lot of our unfortunate captured soldiers. He rejoined the regiment again at 
Eastport, Miss., April 27, 1865, and mustered out of the service May 8, 1865. 

Captain Blackburn was a very impetuous officer, brave to rashness, and of 
that imperious nature that could not well brook restraint. 

After the war he returned to his old home in Rock Island, and later was 
engaged in business in Chicago and then went West, where he died a few years 
since. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN DACK. 

Christopher G. Dack enlisted from Camden. 111., September 1, 1861, in Com- 
pany A, of the Ninth, and in the organization of the company was made Ser- 
geant. He served as a good, faithful soldier until January 1, 1864, when he 
re-enlisted in the Veteran organization, and was promoted to be First Sergeant 
of his company, and was promoted and commissioned First Lieutenant March 
28, 1865, and May 23 following, was promoted Captain of Company A, serving 
with them to the end of the war, and was mustered out of the.service October 81, 

1865, at Selma, Ala. 

Captain Dack was an excellent soldier, a brave man, and one who had the 
confidence and respect of his comrades, always on duty in his company, prompt 
and efficient. His bearing was that of the tried veteran. 

After the war he returned to his old home at Rock Island, 111., which is his 
present address. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT BENTON. 

William M. Benton at the opening of the War of the Rebellion, was attend- 
ing school at Knox College, Illinois, and in June, 1861, having finished his three 
years' course at that institution, he went back to Rock Island County, where he 
had been teaching school during vacations. Here he enlisted for the war, and 
aided in recruiting a company for the cavalry service. 

At the appointed time the boys met at Rock Island, H. B. Burgh havingbeen 



218 BISTORY OF THE 

chosen Captain of the company. Messrs. Benton and Blackburn were candidates 
for the position of the Lieutenants. Neither wished to take first place to tl e detri- 
ment of the other, so it was left to the " hazard of a die." Blackburn won, and 
was elected First Lieutenant, Benton, Second. This company, from Rock Island 
was the first to arrive in Camp Fremont and became Company A. 

Lieutenant Benton was very much liked by his associates, and his genial 
disposition and frank, hearty manner made him a favorite with all, and he took 
hold with much enthusiasm in perfecting the drill of his company, and the vari- 
ous duties incident to camp life, until the regiment was thoroughly equipped and 
ready for the field. He accompanied the Ninth to St. Louis, thence to Pilot 
Knob, Mo., finally uniting with General Curtis, started on his memorable march 
to the Mississippi river. Lieutentant Benton was selected to carry dispatches 
from General Curtis to the Commander of the Department at St. Louis, leaving 
General Curtis' tent at 4 p. m. in company with Peter Heffron as orderly, and 
Sergeant Hamer on a night and day ride of two hundreel and twenty-five miles 
through an enemy's country. This ride was made rapidly, and Lieutenant Benton 
reported at St. Louis with his dispatches in safety, having skillfull}- evaded many 
elangers that beset him on this important mission. 

Later when it became known that General Curtis' army had reached the Mis- 
sissippi River, they rejoined the command at Helena. 

Shortly afterward General Benton, of Indiana, who had recently been given 
a General's commission for gallantry at Pea Ridge, offeree! Lieutenant Benton a 
position on his staff. This would take him out of the line of promotion but he 
cared less for that than leaving the boys, who had joined the service with him in 
Company A, but after numerous conferences, finally decided that duty leading 
in that direction, he accepted the position, and for the next two years he sought 
the fortunes of war as Aid-de-camp, Quartermaster and Ordinance Officer as occa- 
sion required with General Benton. 

First in an expedition dowm the river to Laconia in Southern Arkansas and 
west to the borders of Southern Texas, returning to Helena, it was found that St. 
Louis had become alarmed, fearing an invasion by the rebel General Marmaduke. 

General Curtis dispatched some sixteen thousand troops under General David- 
son, General W. P. Benton commanding one of the brigades to Genevieve on the 
river below St. Louis, thence west almost to the Kansas line. 

Returning to the Mississippi, the command was ordered to report to General 
Grant at Milliken's Bend above Vicksburg, where it became merged in the 
Thirteenth Army Corps. 

Lieutenant Benton went through that entire campaign, participating in 
nearly all the battles in Mississippi, including the assault on and the siege of 
Vicksburg. 

The Thirteenth Army Corps was transferred to the army of General Banks, 
General Benton in the meantime having been promoted to the command of th e 
First Division, formerly under General E. A. Carr. 

At New Orleans Lieutenant Benton was detailed on a commission for the 
exchange of prisoners, and with General Franklin met a like commission from 
General Dick Taylor, near New T Iberia, where, after considerable labor, a satis- 
factory exchange was eU'ected. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 219 

Returning to New Orleans, crossed the Gulf of Pass Cavio, and Indianola, 
at the western end of Metagorda Bay on the southern coast of Texas, was sta- 
tioned here some time, thence to Brownville on the Rio Grande, back to New T Or- 
leans and took part in the Red River campaign under General Banks, after which 
General Benton was placed in command of East and West Baton Rouge. Here 
Lieutenant Benton was placed in charge of the cotton going in and out, and also 
of the pass department over some seventeen roads, leading out from the district 
and down the river to New Orleans and up as far as Cairo. He had here two de- 
tailed assistants. 

At this place Lieutenant Benton had the opportunity to make a "bushel of 
money," but like a true soldier he resisted the temptation and came away with 
clean hands and an honest conscience. 

While at Baton Rouge, he was offered the colonelcy of a colored regiment 
that was being organized at Port Hudson, but his health being impaired by the 
constant exposure in the line of duty, he declined the honor. 

He also received a very warm personal letter from General Benton to his 
friend, Governor Yates, recommending the Lieutenant to a field office in any of 
the Illinois regiments where there should be a vacancy, but he never presented it, 
preferring if he served his present connection to return to his own regiment and 
company. 

After serving something over three years he was mustered out at Memphis, 
Tenu., October 19,1864, where he remained in business till 1868, when he re- 
moved to Chicago, where he has since resided. 

His present address, 1888, is Millard Avenue Station, Chicago, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT EBERHART. 

John R. Eberhart enlisted at Rock Island, 111., September 1, 1861, and was 
assigned to Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, under Captain H. B. Burgh, serv- 
ing constantly with the regiment until January 1, 1864, when he was discharged, 
with the rank of Sergeant; re-enlisted as a veteran in Company A, was promoted 
to be First Sergeant, and commssioned Second Lieutenant, May 19th, and again 
promoted to be First Lieutenant of Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, May 23, 
1865. 

Lieutenant Eberhart was constantly with the regiment during the whole 
period up to September 8, 1865. Having tendered his resignation July 14th, 
the same was accepted September 8, 1865. He was in all the engagements of 
his company, ever ready for duty, and brave and active in the discharge of the 
same. He won the respect and esteem of all with whom he came in contact. 

After his discharge from the service, he returned to Illinois. His address, 
May, 1888, is Reynolds, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT WEBSTER, 

George P. Webster enlisted into the United States service, September 1,1861, 
at Edgington, 111., in what afterward became Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 
He served till January 1, 1864, when he re-enlisted as a veteran, and was promoted 
Sergeant of his company, and was again promoted and commissioned to be Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, May 23, 1865, and October 4th was promoted to the First Lieu- 
tenancy of his company, and was mustered out at Selma. Ala, October 31, 1865. 



220 HISTORY OF THE 

Lieutenant Webster was with the regiment, from first to last, over four years,, 
and was a brave, reliable soldier, ready for duty at all times, and with his com- 
pany in all skirmishes and battles in which they were engaged. A man who was 
esteemed and liked by all. 

Since the war he has been in the vicinity of his old home, and his present ad- 
dress is Des Moines, Iowa, 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT CASTOR. 

Henry H. Castor enlisted from Mercer County, 111., September 1, 1861, in 
Company A, of the Ninth, and re-enlisted as a veteran, January 1, 1864, was 
promoted Sergeant, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant of his com- 
pany, October 4, 1865, and was finally mustered out at Selma, Ala.. October 
31, 1865, and returned to Springfield, 111., with his regiment, where he received 
his final payment and discharge. 

Lieutenant Castor was one of the bravest soldiers in our regiment. A man 
afraid of nothing, always anxious and eager to be on duty, and with his company 
constantly in all the scouts, skirmishes and battles. A notable incident is related, 
when on the 22d of February, 1864, he had a hand-to-hand encounter with a rebel 
Major in which he succeeded in worsting his enemy, and captured the Major with 
horse and equipments. 

Since the war Lieutenant Castor has made his home in the West, and his ad- 
dress is Stromsburg, Neb., 1888. 

WILLIAM F. CRAWFORD 

was born July 17, 1855, in Utica, Ind., and came with his parents to Illinois in 
1843. On the death of his father he went back to Indiana, and there earned 
money by working on a farm to secure a good common-school education, and in 
the year 1853 again came to Illinois and settled in Edgington, Rock Island 
County, where he engaged in farming. 

He was married in October, 1856, to Miss Mary E. Pierce, and has six chil- 
dren — one daughter and five sons, three of whom will cast their first vote for 
President this fall, 1888. He enlisted at Edgington, 111., September 1, 1861, and 
in the muster-in of Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was appointed Sergeant 
of his company, serving as a true and faithful soldier until the expiration of his 
term of service, when he was mustered out as First Sergeant. 

Comrade Crawford was always well thought of by his comrades and all who 
knew him. He was brave, and ready at all times to perform his full share of dutj\ 
and was ever in the front rank when fight or hard service was to be performed. 
After his muster-out, September 23, 1864, he returned to Illinois and engaged in 
his old-time occupation of farming, and has been for many years, in addition to 
his large fanning operations, handling stock and in the grain business both at his 
farm and at the railroad station. He is also a member of the State Legislature, 
and has the Republican nomination for a second term, which is equivalent to an 
election in his strongly Republican district. He has also been for many years 
superintendent of the Sabbath school in his town, and receives and maintains the 
esteem and respect of all those with whom he comes in contact. This influence is 
always on the side of that which he considers the r'ght. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 221 

Comrade Crawford's residence has been for many years at Taylor Ridge, 111., 
-which is his present address. 

SAMUEL R. VANSANT 

enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Company A, September 1, 1861, at Rock 
Island, 111., at the early age of seventeen, and as he was a minor and his father 
was desirous of his receiving a first-class education, young Samuel had consider- 
able difficulty in gaining his father's consent to his joining the army, but when 
Captain Burgh raised his company he reluctantly consented to let him go. 

Comrade Vansant was one of our brave, reliable, conscientious soldiers, who 
carried with him in his army life the same manly habits that were natural to him 
at home. 

When he returned, after three years' service in the cause of his country, 
having been promoted Corporal of his company, he came back with the same 
honest, truthful, honorable nature, only broadened and deepened by his contact 
with others and the experience of the world. After his return home he graduated 
at the American Business College, at Hudson, N. Y., and then attended Knox 
College at Galesburg, III., during his sophomore year. 

Soon after leaving college he went into business with his father at Le Claire, 
Iowa, building and repairing steamboats, then built a number of raftboats, and 
has been operating them ever since. They built the first boat with large power 
exclusively for the business, and named her the "J. W. Vansant." He has been 
interested in some fifteen steamboats, and is at the present time president of the 
"La Claire Navigation Company," and the "Vansant & Musser Towing & Nav- 
igation Company," and in that large business keeps up with the times, and all 
modern improvements. 

Comrade Vansant is a strong Republican, and represents his ward in the 
Democratic city of AVinona in the council, and was the candidate of his party for 
mayor last spring, when he reduced the Democratic majority by several hundred. 

He was married in 1869, and has one son named Grant, and says "As I grow 
older I think more of old army friends. Nothing is too good for the old soldiers 
in my opinion." 

He has been for many years a resident of Winona, Minn., where he leads an 
active, busy life, highly respected by all who know him. 

N. G. VANSANT 

enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Company A, at Rock Island, 111., February 
9, 1864, and served with his company as a good soldier faithfully until the close 
of the war, and was mustered out with the regiment at Selma, Ala., October 31, 
1865. 

Soon after his return from the war he entered college and graduated with 
good standing in 1870. 

For eight years he engaged in mercantile pursuits, and then purchased a farm 
near Sterling, and has been engaged in farming operations for a number of years. 

He is now, 1888, president of the Whiteside County Sunday-school Associa- 
tion, and Junior Vice Commander of "Will Robinson Post No. 274," of Sterling, 
111. A man of blameless life, and highly esteemed by all who know him. His 
present address is Rock Falls, 111. 



222 history of the 

S. D. CLELAND. 
was born January 29, 1842, and emigrated with his parents to the West 
in the fall of 1842. His father was a minister, and was pastor of the 
Presbyterian church in Davenport one year, and at Rock Island for the next four 
years ; then removed to Edington township of Rock Island, where young Sam 
put in his time doing chores, and the usual things that fall to the lot of the small, .. 
hul ambitious hoy on the farm, and attended the district school, and later attended 
a select school, and in 1861, was preparing to enter college, when the call for 
volunteers caused him to enlist in Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, where as 
a good soldier, and one that faithfully performed his every duty, he was pro- 
moted to a sergeantcy, and re-enlisted as a veteran, January 1, 1864, serving with 
the regiment but a short time, when he was placed on detached service. March 
19, 1865, was discharged by special order of General E. R. S. Canby, and mus- 
tered as Sergeant Major of the sixty-first United States Colored troops, and on 
examination was promoted to be Second Lieutenant of Company A, of that regi- 
ment on September 7, 1865, and was Acting Adjutant the most of the time till 
December BO, 1865, when he was mustered out at Baton Rouge, La., and was- 
sent to Memphis, Tenn., for final payment and discharge, being paid to January 
2, 1866, when he left the United States service, and returned to the old farm. 

Mr. Cleland was married January 27, 1867 to Miss Salenda E. Fisher, and- 
they have three children, Fanny F., Paul C. and Blanche. 

He spent several years on the farm, then went to Muscatine, Iowa, in busi- 
ness for two years, and for many years has been a traveling salesman. 

Comrade Cleland is and alwaj^s has been a strictly, moral upright man. He 
has many friends, and the confidence and esteem of all who knew him. 

His present home and address, June, 1888, is Rock Island, 111., 

GEORGE M. KELLER 
enlisted in Company A of the Ninth, September 1, 1861, as Bugler, and served one 
year in that capacity, when on account of broken health he was detailed in the 
regimental hospital, where he remained as assistant till the close of his three 
years' service. 

Returning to Rock Island county, HI., in 1864, he engaged in farming, at 
the same time pursinng the study of medicine. 

In 1870 he was appointed enumerator, and took the United States census for 
Rock Island county. He was married in 1871 to Miss M. E. Boyer, and in 1874 
graduated in medicine at the Iowa State University; practiced his profession in 
Rock Island till the fall of 1878. when he moved to Anthony, Harper County, 
Kan., where in the fall of 1879 he lost his wife, leaving him with one child, 
Harry W. Keller, then six years old. 

In the spring of 1886 he moved to Santa Fe, Kan., where he has since 
resided, having an extensive practice. 

He was elected in the fall of 1887 the first Representative in the Legislature 
from Haskell county, and is now, in connection with his practice, editor and 
manager or the Haskell County Republican at Santa Fe, Kan. 

FRANK C. BRUNER 

was born in 1848, and emigrated with his parents to Rock. Island, III., when foup 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 223 

years of age, and at the age of sixteen enlisted in Company A, of the Ninth, heing 
the youngest soldier in the company, and perhaps in the regiment. 

He participated in the battle of Guntown, Miss., June 10, 1864, and at Hur- 
ricane creek, Tupelo and Nashville, Tenn., and was promoted Corporal, having 
served with his company as a brave and competent soldier from the time of his 
enlistment to the muster out of the Ninth. He was discharged at Springfield, 111., 
November, 1865. 

Since the war Comrade Bruner has chosen the ministry for his profession;, 
was educated at Westfield College, Illinois, and united with the Illinois Confer- 
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1874, was stationed at Monticello, 111.,, 
for some years, and (June, 1888) is pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at 
Beardstown, 111. 

He received the degree of A. M. from his alma mater in 1886, and is a young 
man of fine intellect, uncommonly brilliant as an orator, and of pleasing address. 
" Long may he wave." 

Sergeant George Ferguson enlisted at LaMoille, September 1, 1861; mustered 
out September 23, 1864; resides at Glidden, Iowa. 

Sergeant Richard B. Hubbard enlisted from Edgington, September 1, 1861; 
mustered out September 23, 1864; address, Pasadena, Cal. 

Corporal Wilford Shadrack enlisted at Drury's Landing, September 1, 1861. 

Corporal James Kinney enlisted Rock Island, September 1, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864; address Rock Island, 111. 

Fritz Gall enlisted Rock Island, September 1, 1861; promoted Farrier; dis 
charged May 1, 1862. 

Corporal Alfred Axtell enlisted from Drury's Landing, September 1, 1861; 
veteran; mustered out July 20, 1865; prisoner of war; address, Illinois City, 111. 

Hiram Barlow enlisted Rock Island, September 1, 1861; mustered out Sep- 
tember 23, 1864. 

William. H. Bates enlisted Rock Island, September 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Lewis Bunchner enlisted atRock Island, September 1, 1861; died June 2, 1862. 

Isaac S. Bean enlisted at Edgington, September 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Henry Bedford enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant. 

James Bedford enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Clement Bradshaw enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Saddler Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

William Brown enlisted at Drury's Landing, September 1, 1861; rejected. 

Thomas Brown enlisted from St. Lor'. .L^^mber 1, 1861. 

William Brigham enlisted from Carbon Cliff; died at Memphis, Tenn., Sep- 
tember 5, 1864, of wounds. 

Finley J. Broderick enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861; mustered 
out September 23, 1864. 

Jacob Burkett enlisted from Drury's Landing, September 1, 1861; rejected 
November 3, 1861. 



224 HISTORY OF THE 

William Bysant eDlisted from Carbon Cliff, September 1, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Thomas Clinch enlisted from LaSalle, September 1, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out July 8, 1865; prisoner of war; address, Peru, 111. 

Andrew Cederberg enlisted from Geneseo, September 1, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864. 

Edward Conners enlisted from Geneseo, September 1, 1861; veteran; died, 
St. Louis, Mo., April 1, 1864. 

Charles H. Cole enlisted September 1, 1861; died Reeve's Station, Mo., April 
14, 1862. 

John Deitz enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861; mustered out April 13, 
1865. as sergeant. 

John Dougherty enlisted from Fox Lake, September 1, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; deserted July 8, 1865. 

Owen Fulham enlisted from Carbon Cliff, September 1, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Richard W. T. Gaines enlisted from Coal Town, September 1, 1861; mustered 
out September 23, 1864; address, Moline, 111. 

William Gilmore enlisted from Pre-emption September 1, 1861; discharged 
September 13, 1862. 

Theodore Halbig enlisted from Drury's Landing, September 1, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Edward C. Horn enlisted from Millersburg, September 1, 1861; deserted 
November 29, 1861. 

Martin D. Hamer enlisted from Coal Town, September 1, 1861; promoted 
sergeant; mustered out September 23, 1864. 

Henry Hummel enlisted from Edgington, September 1, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick II. Heverling enlisted from Camden, September 1, 1861; mustered 
out Septembi-r a3, 1864, as Wagoner; address, Milan, 111. 

Peter J. Heverling enlisted from Camdem, September 1, 1861; mustered out, 
September 14, 1861; address, Milan, 111. 

Hugh Johnson enlisted September 1, 1861. 

Joseph Kell enlisted from Edgington, September 1, 1861; discharged for dis- 
ability, July 7, 1864; address, Edgington, 111. 

Thomas C. Lewis enlisted from Edgington, September 1, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865; address. Prescott, Kan. 

Joseph J. Littlefield enlisted from Newburyport, September 1, 1861. 

Joseph McCauley enlisted from Camden, September 1, 1861; veteran; pro- 
! ( ' >mpany Quartermaster-Sergeant; mustered out, October 31, 1865; address, 
( !edar Rapids, Iowa. 

William McAlligott enlisted September 1, 1861; veteran; mustered out July 
20, 1865; prisoner of war; address, National Soldiers' Home, Milwaukee, Wis. 

Daniel Median enlisted from Rock Island, September 1, 1861. 

James Moore enlisted from Coal Valley, September 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 81, 1865, as Sergeant; address, Thornburg, Iowa. 

John Moore enlisted from Coal Valley, September, 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out July 8, 1865, as prisoner of war; address, Thornburg, Iowa. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 225 

Francis H. Mills enlisted from Rock Island, September 1, 1861, veteran; 
mustered out July 8, 1865; prisoner of war; address, Stuart, Neb. 

James McGuire enlisted at Chicago, September 1, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Beart Nelson enlisted at Chicago, September 1, 1861. 

Edward Ninwell enlisted from Philadelphia, Penn., September 1, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Bugler; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Frank A. Olson enlisted from Andover, September 1, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864. 

James Piatt enlisted from Minorsville, September 1, 1861; discharged Sep- 
tember 3, 1862. 

William Pugh enlisted from Carbon Cliff, September 1, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Corporal; died Nashville, Tenn., November 13, 1862. 

Edward R. Price enlisted at Chicago, September 1, 1861; transferred to 
Company L. 

Michael Pollard enlisted from Mercer County, September 1, 1861. 

John Racy enlisted from Coal Town, September 1. 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as Wagoner. 

Russel Rogers enlisted from Illinois City, September 1, 1861; discharged May 
28, 1862. 

David Riddig enlisted Rock Island, September 1, 1861. 

Peter Swansou enlisted from Geneseo, September 1, 1861; mustered out Sep- 
tember 23, 1864. 

Swan Swanson enlisted from Moline, September 1, 1861; discharged June 
4, 1864, for disability. 

James Stone enlisted from Carbon Cliff, September 1, 1861, mustered out 
September 23, 1864. 

John M. Sanders enlisted at Chicago, September 1, 1861, mustered out Sep- 
tember 27, 1864. 

Noah Smith enlisted from Illinois City, September 1, 1861 ; veteran. 

Charles Simser enlisted from Rock Island, September 1, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865, as Farrier. 

Peter Strupp enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861 ; veteran ; mustered 
out July 8, 1865. 

Joseph Shwalback enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861 ; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1861, as blacksmith. 

Philip Sechrist enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861; discharged Sep- 
tember 19, 1861. 

Adam Stewart enlisted from Carbon Cliff, September 1, 1861 ; discharged 
March 18, 1862. 

Charles Tetterington enlisted at Edgington, September 1, 1861 ; mustered 
out September 23, 1864 ; address Edgington, 111. 

William Walsh enlisted from St. Louis, September 1, 1861; mustered out 
November 16, 1864. 

Andrew B. Welsh enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861 ; mustered 
out September 23, 1864 as Corporal. 
15 



226 HISTORY OF THE 

John A. Wyfoat enlisted at Munson, September 1, 1861 ; transferred to 
Company K. 

Henry Wing enlisted from Mercer County, September 1, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal; deserted August 1, 1865. 

.lames Walker enlisted from Drury's Landing, September 1, 1861; deserted 
September 25, 1861. 

Frederick Wells enlisted from Coal Town, September 1, 1861; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out September 23, 1864. 

Jacob Wagoner enlisted from Muscatine, Iowa, September 1, 1861; veteran: 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Thomas Ward enlisted at Rock Island, September 1, 1861; transferred to 
Company I. 

RECRUITS. 

John Arnold enlisted at Rock Island, November 27, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out July 8, 1865, prisoner of war; address 497 West Superior Street, Chicago. 

Henry Adamson enlisted from Kendall, March 9, 1865; mustered out October 
81, 1865. 

Bradley Armel enlisted from Rosefield, March 28, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James E. Burton enlisted at Rock Island, November 27, 1861; veteran; desert- 
ed September 11, 1865. 

James M. Bruner enlisted from Edgington, October 31, 1861; mustered out 
September 22, 1864. 

Abi L. Bailey enlisted from Edgington, September 20, 1861 ; promoted 
Sergeant ; mustered out June 7, 1865, as Sergeant. 

Patrick Bailey enlisted at Chicago, January 15, 1864 ; veteran recruit 
deserted April 18, 1864. 

Hugh M. Bell enlisted from Drury's Landing, April 21, 1864; mustered out 
July 8, 1864, as prisoner of war. 

Charles M. Blythe enlisted from Spring, January 26,1865; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John M. Barker enlisted Chicago, January 20, 1862; mustered out Januarj' 26, 
1865. 

Francis W. Bulow enlisted at Chicago, April 1, 1865 ; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Lewis G. Bailey enlisted from Black Hawk, March 9, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

P. Burdoor Bordran enlisted from St. Ann, March 25, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, 

John Barney enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Orris A. Bartow enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Jacob S. Bradley enlisted from Lemont, March, 31, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

H. Bruner (or Bremer) enlisted at Chicago, April 3, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 227 

John Bristol enlisted from Clover, March 28, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

James S. Brooks enlisted from Fulton, March 28, 1865; mustered out October 
81, 1865. 

Jacob Barker enlisted from Chicago, January 25, 1862; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Enoch B. Cooper enlisted from Mercer County, November 1 6, 1861 ; died at 
Keokuk, Iowa, October 16, 1862. 

John E. Crabtree enlisted at Rock Island, April 21, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

David H. Colemore enlisted from Preemption, February, 1864; deserted 
August 1, 1865. 

Augustus G. Chase enlisted from Columbus, April 4, 1865; mustered out Sep- 
tembers, 1865. 

James T. Craig enlisted at Chicago, March 7, 1865; deserted July 18, 1865. 

Peter M. Campbell enlisted at Chicago, October 1, 1864; mustered out Au- 
gust 24, 1865. 

Alexander Campbell enlisted from St. Ann, April 4, 1865"; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Cornelius Casey enlisted at Chicago, February 24, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address 2922, 5th avenue, Chicago. 

Delphin Chaffree enlisted from Maine, January 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James Chaffree enlisted from Maine, January 18, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Theodore Coliver enlisted at Chicago, March 31, 1865; mustered out, October 
31, 1865. 

Seymour E. Comstock enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William Clererish enlisted from Edgington, October 13, 1864; mustered out 
October 26, 1865. 

William Ellingsworth enlisted from Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; address Holdrege, Neb. 

Frank Fulsinger enlisted at Rock Island, October 3, 1861; discharged October 
23, 1862. 

Henry Fowler enlisted at Jefferson, January 23, 1865; deserted July 18, 1865. 

Wesley A. Giles enlisted from Coal Town, October 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; address Moline, 111. 

Richard E. Graham enlisted from Fort Wayne, February 9, 1864; deserted 
April 14, 1864. 

Levi O. Gray enlisted from Cordova, March 31, 1864; mustered out October 31 
1865. 

Moses Garland enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

W. Grant. 

James L. Grant enlisted at Chicago, October 11, 1864; mustered out October 
26, 1865. 



228 HISTORY OF THE 

Alon/.o Howard enlisted at Chicago, September 27, 1864; died at Nashville, 
Term., December 18, 1864. 

Patrick Hobb enlisted at Chicago, April 12, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Edward Hodge enlisted at Chicago, April 11, 1865 ; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Edward Mood. 

Jackson llatris enlisted at Chicago, March 6, 1865 ; mustered out July 17, 
1865. 

Joseph J. Johnson enlisted from Cordova, October 1, 1861; discharged August 
25, 1862 ; address, Omaha, Neb. 

William II. James enlisted at Chicago, February 5, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Alexander Jamerson enlisted from Groveland, March 3, 1865 ; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Charles M. Kimball enlisted from Morristown, November 16, 1861, veteran ; 
promoted Corporal ; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Charles M. Keeler enlisted from Groveland, March 3, 1865 ; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Leander W. Kelly enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865 ; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

P. C. Kittridge enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; deserted August 1, 1865. 

Charles M. Littlefield enlisted from Newburyport, December 1, 1861. 

John H. Lame enlisted from Cordova, March 25, 1864 ; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

George A. Lawson enlisted at Rock Island, September 22, 1864; mustered out 
June 11, 1865. 

WilMam Ladley enlisted at Helena, Ark., August 1, 1862; discharged May 30, 

1865. 

H. Luddow or Ladden enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry Listerman enlisted from Chicago, January 25, 1862; mustered out 
February 11,1865. 

George Melvin enlisted at Rock Island, September 20, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864. 

John Madden deserted November 19, 1861. 

Michael Murphy enlisted at Rock Island, March 30, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John H. McKay enlisted at Rock Island, September 22, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Hibbard Moore enlisted at Chicago, October 18, 1864; mustered out October 
26, 1865. 

H. McMillen. 

George Melvin enlisted at Edgington, October 18, 1864; mustered out October 
26, 1865. 

Cyrus Montague enlisted from Prophetstown, October 12, 1864; died at luka, 
Miss., June 15, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 229 

William McCulloch enlisted from Groveland, March 3, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Ezekiel Miller enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James Muzzy enlisted from Black Hawk, March 9, 1865; mustered out October 
81, 1861. 

William J. McMillen enlisted from Hampton, October 4, 1864 ; mustered out 
October 26, 1865. 

William P. Neely enlisted at Rock Island, March 30, 1864 ; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry Wickerson enlisted from Galva, January 23, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Caleb Othick enlisted Rock Island, March 29, 1864; promoted Corporal, 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Christy Patton enlisted from Cordova, March 25, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Henry Parsons enlisted at Chicago, January 22, 1864; promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Henry Perry enlisted from Barrington, September 24, 1864; mustered out 
June 11, 1865. 

Levi J. Palmer enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Homer D. Rathburn enlisted at Rock Island, December 1, 1861; discharged 
April 7, 1862, for disability. 

John M. Renfro enlisted at Rock Island, March 29, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Alfred H. Russel enlisted at Rock Island, September 22, 1864; mustered out 
June 11, 1865. 

James F. Russell enlisted from Bureau County, October 12, 1864; mustered 
out October 26, 1865. 

Levi Russell enlisted from Bureau County, October 12, 1864; mustered out 
October 26, 1865. 

Andrew Robb enlisted at Rock Island, September 22, 1864; died, Paducah, 
Ky., May 1, 1865. 

J. A. Root enlisted from Moline, November 15, 1864; promoted Hospital 
Steward. 

George E. Renfro enlisted from Black Hawk, March 29, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Edward Rhodes enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James H. Stackhouse enlisted at Rock Island, October 31, 1861; mustered out 
November 1, 1864; address, Carroltown, Neb. 

George W. Stackhouse enlisted at Rock Island, October 31, 1861; discharged 
November 14, 1862. 

Peter Shurb enlisted at Chicago, November 21, 1861. 

Nathaniel Smith enlisted at Cordova, March 31, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. — 



230 HISTORY OF THE 

Perry Stricklan enlisted at Rock Island, September 22, 1864; mustered out 
June 11, 1865. 

M. V. B. Sanderson enlisted from Proplietstown, October 15, 1864; mustered 
out October 26, 1865. 

John W. Strahl enlisted at Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

William C. Thomas enlisted at Chicago September 1, 1861; rejected Novem- 
ber 24, 1861. 

George L. Turner enlisted at Rock Island, March 26, 1864; promoted Bugler; 
mustered out October 31, 1865, address, Parkfield, Cal. 

Job M. Tobias enlisted from Kendall, January 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Hudson R. Taylor enlisted from Groveland, March 3, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Caleb H. Thayer enlisted at Chicago, October 11, 1864; mustered out October 
26, 1864. 

William Triggs enlisted at Rock Island, February 14, 1862; address Liudley, 
Mo. 

Alfred Wallace enlisted from Illinois City, October 31, 1861; mustered out 
September 22, 1864. 

Golburn H. Way enlisted from Cordova, October 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out July 18, 1865, as prisoner of war. 

Robert Wilson enlisted at Rock Island, December 1, 1861; killed at Tisha- 
mingo Creek, Miss., June 10, 1864. 

James Wells enlisted March 25, 1864; discharged for disability. 

Joseph II. Wellierer enlisted at Rock Island, March 30, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Philip P. Williams enlisted at Rock Island, September 22, 1864; mustered 
out June 11, 1865. 

William J. Wood enlisted at Rock Island, September 22, 1864, mustered out 
June 22,1865. 

David C. Williams enlisted at Chicago, February 24, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James W. Woods enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; died at Huntsville, 
Ala., July 13, 1865. 

COMPANY B. 

Company B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Volunteers was recruited 
in Geneseo, Henry county, 111., and vicinity, mainly by II. J. 
Humphrey, T. W. 0. Braffett, and Ransom Harrington, the three 
first commissioned officers of the company. The full complement of 
men was made up in less than three weeks, and an election of 
officers was held at Geneseo, September 18, 1861, and the three 
gentlemen named above were elected to fill the positions respect- 
ively <>!' Captain, First and Second Lieutenant. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 231 

The company immediately started for camp, arriving at Camp 
Fremont, Chicago, on the morning of September 19, and mastered 
in the same day. Of Company B it may be said that the standing 
and character of the men was unsurpassed by any that entered 
the service of their country, and though many changes took place 
in the ranks and in their officers it was always to be relied upon to 
do its duty, whenever and wherever it was called upon to act. 

It may truthfully be said that this company or some part of it 
was in active participation in every prominent engagement of the 
regiment, to say nothing of numberless company scouts, picket 
duties and detached services. 

This company was particularly fortunate in the fact that there 
was always the best of feeling and confidence existing between 
both officers and men. They seemed as a family to there organiza- 
tion of the regiment in March, 1864, when a large proportion re- 
enlisted as veterans and a new set of tried comrades came to the 
front as their leaders, the most of whom remained till the final 
muster out October 31, 1865. 

The number of men in Company B at muster in was ninety- 
two, the whole number borne on the company rolls during their 
term of service, was two hundred and thirty-four. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN HARRINGTON". 

Ransom Harrington, born at Hogansburg, N. Y., February 18, 1822, of 
Amariah B. and Relacco M. fie enlisted October 13, 1837, in the regular army 
and served five years in the regiment commanded by Colonel afterward General 
Worth. 

The regiment was sent to Sachets' Harbor, remaining there until the spring 
of 1839. His Captain Montgomery and Captain Harrington went to Canandai- 
gua, N. Y., and passed the winter there enlisting one hundred and two men. In 
the spring he went to Green Bay, Wis. ; soon after they were transferred to Port 
Winnebago (now Portage) and participated in the removal of the Indians to Iowa. 
The regiment then proceeded to Rock Island, where it remained through the ex- 
citement of the payment to the Indians by the United States Government, thence 
to St. Louis, Mo., and soon after to New Orleans, La., thence across the gulf to 
Tampa Baj r . The Seminole War was then in progress. The regiment remained 
until 1842, when Mr. Harrington was discharged. 

He was married at Massena, St. Lawrence county, N. Y., February 22, 1845, 
to Martha E. Campbell, and removed to Geneseo, Henry county, 111., in 1856. 
When the Civil War convulsed the Nation he enlisted and was mustered into 
Company B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, as Second Lieutenant, September 19, 1861, 
and eight days after was promoted to the first lieutenancy. He had previously 



232 HISTORY OF THE 

aided largely in recruiting Company B. He was promoted and commissioned 
Captain January 16, 1863, remaining until April 9, 1863. when he resigned on 
account of myopia (nearness of sight) which made his service impracticable in 
the army. 

While in the regiment Captain Harrington was one of the workers of the 
regiment. He was on duty with his company at '.amp Douglas, and on the 
removal of the regiment to Benton Barracks, Mo., February 18, 186'.?. and at 
Pilot Knob; March 6, marched to Patterson, Mo. After arriving there Captain 
Braffet being on the sick list, he was placed in command of his company, and 
later followed the command to Jacksonport, Ark. 

In the latter part of May, 1862, he marched with Lieutenant-Colonel Sickles 
in command to the Cache River, and when near the objective point, Gray's Bridge, 
Colonel Sickles sent him with Company B in the Augusta road to reconnoitcr. 
Captain Harrington had not gone far when he met a citizen, and inquiring "where 
Gray's Bridge was?" the man said he did not know. Captain Harrington did not 
believe the man spoke the truth, so he placed him between Godfrey La Salle and 
another soldier with instructions to "shoot him if he attempted to escape," then 
moving on soon came to the bridge, when they saw a woman on a stump waving 
a flag as a signal to some one on the other side of the stream. Company B was 
the first to reach the bridge, when Captain Harrington deployed his company, and 
found that the rebs had taken up a part of the planks and made the bridge 
unsafe to cross and were then in ambush on the other side. Some firing took 
place, and soon Captain Blackburn came up with Company H and insisted on 
crossing over, when he was fired upon by the enemy and receiving a slight wound 
came back. Frank Tift, of Company B, was wounded in the hand. The rebels 
had set a trap here for our boys, and were lying in ambush across the river. It 
was not long before Colonel Sickles came up, and Captain Harrington suggested 
and urged him to allow Company B to go round on the Augusta road and attack 
the rebels in the rear, but Colonel Sickles having accomplished his mission (that 
of cutting the telegraph lines) did not feel like taking the responsibility of a fur- 
ther advance, and after a short skirmish across the river, fell back half a mile, 
and went into camp, and the next day started back to camp. Captain Harring- 
ton was ordered by Colonel Brackett, June 24th, to act as escort to the United 
Srates Paymaster to Batesville, and asked permission to send the wounded soldier, 
Frank Tift, with the Paymaster's party to St. Louis, which request was granted. 

June 26th he returned with Curtiss' army from Batesville, and was with the 
regiment in command of his company al Stewart's Plantation. January 27, 1862, 
and when Company M fell back with Captain Knight badly wounded, took their 
place with Company B in the front, gallantly holding the rear, and was the last 
to leave the field, then marched to Helena with the command. The night before 
reaching Helena a negro informed Captain Harrington's cook that one Smize r 
had secreted a lot of meat in the ceiling of his house. This matter was reported 
to Colonel Brackett, who ordered Captain Harrington to bring it in; this he pro- 
ceeded to do. He found the planter had in his smokehouse about twelve hun- 
dred pounds of bacon, which he stoutly averred was "all that he had." After 
considerable parleying Captain Harrington told the old rebel " that he would be 
willing to leave him all the meat in the smokehouse, and take for his share the 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 233 

choice bacon he knew was secreted in the ceiling of the house." Smizer said 
"those negroes have given me away." Captain Harrington finally told him he 
"would take the meat in the smokehouse, and not tear his house down." 

The subject of this sketch was taken sick at Helena about the 1st of August* 
and his eyes were so bad that on one occasion he came near firing upon some of 
our own soldiers. He then had a special examination by a skillful surgeon who 
declared "that if he was a private soldier, he should recommend his discharge." 
Captain Harrington said, "if that was the case he would resign," which he soon 
after did. 

Lieutenant A. R. Mock, of Company C, was placed in command of Company 
B, and on the acceptance of Captain Harrington's resignation, he was, at the 
request of the whole company, made their captain. 

Captain Harrington remained with the company until some time in May, 
1863, at Memphis. He always treated his men well, shared their toils and priva- 
tions, always willing to share with them the good as well as the hard lot of a 
soldier. 

The subject of this sketch returned home in the summer of 1863, and as soon 
as his health was sufficiently recovered was appointed special agent in the Pro- 
vost-Marshal's office under Captain James M. Allen in the Fifth District (now 
the Seventh), occupying this position nearly two years, when he resigned, and 
engaged in the recruiting service for the State. 

After the close of the war he engaged in the real estate and loan business, 
which he still continues, and has large land interests in Iowa and Kansas, and is 
interested with Major Showalter in the Southern Kansas Mortgage Company at 
Wellington, Kan. 

Captain Harrington is a thorough-going business man, much respected by a 
large acquaintance through the West. His home and address is where he has 
been living for the past thirty-two years, Geneseo, Henry County, 111. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN BRAFFETT. 

Thaddeus "W. O. Braffett enlisted in Company B, of the Ninth Illinois Cav- 
alry, September 1, 1861, as a private, and was promoted to Sergeant-Lieutenant 
and Captain of his company, and after five months' service in Camp Douglas with 
his company, was ordered to St. Louis, and later to Pilot Knob, Mo. At this 
place the regiment received its initiation in war, having one man wounded here. 
Company B, Captain Braffett in command, and one other company were 
ordered to Patterson, Mo., for guard picket and scouting duty, soon 
after moving to the Black River, where the Captain and his son came near 
being drowned while crossing the Black River, and the command was almost 
daily attacked by guerrillas or bushwhackers. The command here received 
orders to join General Frank Seigel at Pea Ridge, but the battle under General 
Curtis was fought and won before we arrived. 

Captain Braffett was taken sick on the march to Jacksonport. and almost 
died; was removed to Batesville, and under the care of careful surgeons recovered 
so as to join his regiment at Jacksonport in time to take up the hot and tedious 
march for Clarendon, and then into Helena, when Captain Braffett was again 
taken sick, contracting that malarial disease that carried so many to death: he 
rallied sufficientlv to ero to his home at New Paris, Ohio. 



234 HISTORY OF THE 

After a short furlough he again returned to his regiment, but the old disease 
again took hold of him, and prostrated him lower than ever. On account of this 
disability he reluctantly tendered his resignation, and was honorably discharged 
January 16, 1863, his home then being in Richmond, Ind. 

In 1865 the subject of this sketch was elected Assistant Clerk (by the Repub- 
licans) of the Indiana House of Representatives, and Journal Clerk of the Senate 
in 1869. In 1880 was Deputy Clerk of Wayne County Court and Auditor of 
Wayne County for four years, from 1883 to 1887. His present address, June 1888, 
is Richmond, Ind. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN McNAIR, 

Captain McNair enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 1, 1861, in Company B, 
of the Ninth; was promoted to Duty Sergeant, February 8, 1862, Company Com- 
missary Sergeant the July following, and First Sergeant of Company B, Octo- 
ber 12, 1863; was commissioned First Lieutenant, but did not muster as such, as 
he was promoted to be Captain of his company to date from September 23, 1864. 

As will be observed, Captain McNair was with his company from the first to 
the last and final muster-out at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865, and though not 
commissioned till late, had been in command of his company much of the time, 
and bravely, gallantly led them in many a scout, skirmish and battle. Always 
ready for duty, having the confidence and respect of his comrades, and all with 
whom he came in contact, it may with truth be said that he was a soldier and an 
officer that could be relied upon to perform his full duty. 

Captain McNair commanded his company in the hard fighting at Nashville, 
and on to the Tennessee River, and was in command of a battalion at Gainesville 
and Demopolis, Ala., in the summer of 1865. 

Captain McNair was mustered out of the United States service, October 31, 
1865, and later went West, where he engaged in large farming operations. 

His present address is Nunda, Neb., where he is widely known and respected 
as a successful business man. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT MANVILLE. 

Charles P. Manville enlisted in Company B, of the Ninth, September 1, 1861. 
He was appointed Sergeant of his company, and on the 23d of January, 1863, was 
commissioned First Lieutenant and served well and faithfully with his company 
and regiment till the close of the war, when, his health not being good, and feel- 
ing that the country no longer needed his services, he was mustered out October 
11, 1865. 

After the close of his service in the army, Lieutenant Manville, pitched his 
tent in Chicago, where he remained in business a number of years, and then 
struck out West which is his present home. His address, April, 1888, is Alma, 
Neb. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT SHOWALTEB. 

John T. Showalter enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 1, 1861, in Company 
B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He was promoted to Corporal, Sergeant and Lieuten- 
ant, having received his commission as Second Lieutenant of Company B March 
28, 1865, and was brevetted First Lieutenant " for gallant and meritorious conduc 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 235 

during the war." He was finally mustered out with the regiment at Selma, Ala., 
October 31, 1865. 

Lieutenant Showalter was one of the brave, faithful soldiers and officers on 
whom one could always rely. Quick of perception and always ready, he gained 
the confidence and respect of all his associates. He was a participant with and 
leader of his comrades, and was engaged with his company actively for over four 
years in the service of his country. He was appointed by General Charles R. 
Woods as one of the officers to administer the amnesty oath in Alabama during 
the summer of 1865. 

After the war he returned to Illinois, read law, and was admitted to the bar 
in Washington County, 111., in 1870; moved to Kansas in 1871, where he has held 
several important positions of trust, among them that of register of deeds of his 
county (Sumner), and is now Major in the Second Kansas National Guards. 

Major Showalter is eminently a self-made man. Since his removal to Kan- 
sas was for a number of years engaged in the practice of his profession, and has 
been for several years engaged in large financial and loan interests at Wellington, 
Kan., which is his present address. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT KINZIE. 

Arthur M. Kinzie was born March 24, 1811, in Chicago, in one of the first 
brick houses built in the city, his father John Kinzie, having been brought here 
in 1804 by his parents. 

After attending the public schools here, was sent to Jubilee College about 
fourteen miles from Peoria, was then sent to Racine College, remaining there four 
years, after which he went to Kenyon College, Ohio, there met Comrade J. II. 
Carpenter from Chicago, and both remained until a difference between the fac- 
ulty and themselves became so serious that either the faculty or the students had to 
leave, and as tin former hud their families all nettled there, these two young men 
ea/me home. 

Young Kenzie continued his studies at Douglas University, and a year after- 
ward returned to Kenyon, where he remained until January, 1861, when the politi- 
cal affairs of the country looked so squally that he did not return. 

April 19, 1861, he entered the three months' service under the President's first 
call in Battery A, First Illinois Light Artillery, and served at Cairo for three 
months. After his return to Chicago he joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry as 
Second Lieutenant of Company B, September 25, 1861, and was immediately as- 
signed to duty as Aid-de-camp to Major-General David Hunter, and was with him 
for many mouths. General Hunter's division forming a part of General Fremont's 
army was engaged in Missouri campaigns after the rebel General Sterling Price, 
then spent the winter at Fort Leavenworth, Kan . In the ensuing March accom- 
panied General Hunter when he was appointed to the command of the Tenth 
Army Corps, headquarters at Hilton Head, took part in the siege and capture of 
Fort Pulaski, under General Q. A. Gilmore. 

General Hunter here conceived the idea of arming and organizing the negroes 
for garrison duty, and thus relieved a corresponding number of white troops for 
offensive operations. The command of this body of one thousand "colored 
troops " was given to Lieutenant Kinzie, which he called " The First South Caro- 



236 HISTORY OF THE 

lina Union Volunteers." For thisact both General Hunter and Lieutenant Kin- 
zie were outlawed in general orders by the rebel government, and were to be shot 
without trial, when caught. 

This was the first body of black troops organized during the war, but their 
use was not authorized till several months afterward. Lieutenant Kinzie was 
the only commissioned officer connected with the organization, all the other offi- 
cers being appointed from the best of non-commissioned officers, and privates of 
the command, and he was obliged to receipt for all the arms, uniforms, garrison 
equipage, commissary stores, etc., and was never able to obtain any responsible 
receipts for the same up to the close of the war, then he received notice that he 
was indebted to the Government in the sum of one hundred and three thousand 
dollars, which they would be pleased to have him remit, which he did — not. 

After the order of outlawry was made known, General Hunter gave the 
Lieutenant charge of the Flag of Truce Department " in order that they might 
know him when they saw him." 

Lieutenant Kinzie was furnished with a fine little steamer, well armed with 
ordnance with which, when not going up the Savannah River under flag of truce 
to deliver and receive dispatches, he used to cruise around the islands along the 
coast, shelling at the enemy's light batteries, which they would place at advan- 
tageous points, and among our transports and unarmed vessels. 

While thus engaged he reported to Lieutenant Worden, United States Navy, 
and was assigned a position in line, and with the other naval forces took part in 
an attack on Fort McAllister on the Oquchee River, afterward captured by Gen- 
eral Sherman's army. 

In July, 1862, he was appointed Captain by President Lincoln, under the act 
of July 17th. General Gilmore having relieved General Hunter, retired with his 
chief to Washington, remaining there all winter, and any active duty now being 
uncertain, he asked to be sent to his regiment, and joined them at La Grange, 
Tenn., but remained with them but a short time, when he was appointed Aid-de- 
camp to Brigadier-General E. A. Carr in command at Corinth. Soon after went 
with him to Little Rock, Ark., remained there all winter doing nothing, and 
again resigned his appointment, and rejoined the Ninth, but remained with them 
but a few days, when he was appointed aid to Major-General Washburn, remain- 
ing with him at Memphis till August 20, when General N. B. Forrest C. S. A. 
entered the city between 3 ard 4 o'clock in the morning, and extended so 
urgent an invitation to accompany his men out again, that he could not refuse 
and was accordingly marched out in charge of a dirty rebel on a white mule. 
About one hundred unfortunates which they had gathered up were marched 
seventy- two miles, when they were loaded into box cars at Meridian, Miss., 
thence to Demopolis, Ala., and then to Cahaba, twelve miles below Selmaon the 
Alabama River. Here the men were put in a regular prison pen, and the officers 
first giving their parole not to escape cr talk to the citizens were allowed the lim- 
its of four squares in the town, and were quartered in some rooms over a store; 
after about three mouths were exchanged, having been treated as well aspossible 
under the circumstances. 

The Provost-Marshal in charge was an Episopal clergyman who did what 
was in his power to make the prisoners as comfortable as he could. The rations 
were but a pint of meal a day, about the same as their own soldiers received. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 237 

Lieutenant Kinzie mustered out at the expiration of three years, again join- 
ing the Hancock Veteran Reserve Corps, but left that the spring of 1865, return- 
ing to Chicago. His present address, 1888, is Riverside, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT KILMER. 

Jeremiah C. Kilmer enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 1, 1861, in Com- 
pany B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He re-enlisted as a veteran, January 1, 1864, 
and was appointed First Sergeant, March 28, 1865; was commissioned First Lieu- 
tenant of his company, serving well and faithfully 1 ill the close cf the war, 
when he was mustered out at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865. 

Lieutenant Kilmer since the close of the war has been in the "West and his ad- 
dress, 1888, is Rock Island, 111. 

August E. Anderson was born in Gefle Borg Lan, Sweden, May 10, 1834, 
emigrated in 1849 to Henry County, 111. His parents both died on the pas- 
sage from Sweden, leaving him an orphan alone among strangers, without money, 
and indebted for his passage, but he was a plucky, industrious boy, and on his 
arrival at Cambridge he went to work on a farm at $6.00 month, and from 
his savings paid his passage to this country. After this he bound himself out for 
five years, the consideration being boarding, three months' schooling each year, 
and $100 to be paid him when arrived at the age of twenty-one years. With that 
$100 he purchased forty acres of land, and commenced farming on his own ac- 
count, in which occupation he continued till September 1, 1861, when, inspired 
with that patriotism and devotion to his adopted country with which the whole 
loyal North was then ablaze, he enlisted in Company B, Ninth Illinois Cavalry; 
was promoted Corporal February 1, 1862, and Sergeant November 29, 1862, and 
honorably discharged from the service, March 27, 1863, for injury and disability 
received and incurred while in the line of duty in the Swamps of Arkansas, and 
he is still a sufferer from the disease contracted in the service of his county, and 
was with his company and regiment on all its marches, skirmishes and battles dur- 
ing the period of his service. 

On his return to his home in Henry County, 111., he again took up the 
occupation of the tiller of the soil, and by an industrious, upright life, has gained 
the esteem of his neighbors, and has accumulated a handsome property, owning 
a w r ell-stocked farm of two hundred acres within one and a half miles of Cam- 
bridge, 111., and is one of the active, influential citizens of his county. He is a 
devoted Christian, an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which 
he has been a deacon for many years. 

Mr. Anderson is a member of A. A. Dunn Post 436, G. A. R., of Cambridge, 
111., which is his present address. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY B. 

First Sergeant Ashbell G. F. James enlisted September 1, 1861. 

Sergeant John Babcock enlisted from Henry County, September 1, 1861; 
rejected November 14, 1861 . 

Sergeant James L. Morrow enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; mustered 
out September 23, 1864. 

Corporal Augustus M. Gregory enlisted from Morristown, September 1, 1861. 



238 HISTORY OF THE 

Corporal Jacoby .Marland enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; discharged 
February 18, 18(32, for disability. 

Corporal Tliomas Morris enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted 
sergeant; died at Camp Douglas, January 22, 18C2. 

Corporal John P. Stewart enlisted September 1, 1861; residence, Geneseo, 111. 

Bugler Oliver C. Rouce enlisted September 1, 1861. 

Bugler Richard A. Kinsey enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Charles Andress enlisted September 1, 1861; transferred to Company E. 

Edward D. Ayers enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; transferred to 
invalid corps in 1863; residence, Elizaville, Ind. 

Edwin A. Anderson enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; discharged Sep- 
tember 25, 1862, for disability. 

Alpheus E. Baxter enlisted Geneseo, September, 1861 ; transferred to Com- 
pany E. 

Thomas or Henry Bennett enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; promoted 
Hospital Steward ; address 325 Paris St., East Boston, Mass. 

Oliver C. Bardwell enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; died at Camp 
Douglas, January 15, 1862. 

David C. Bartlett enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; died, Helena, Ark., 
October 29, 1862. 

Edward H. Chamberlain enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; transferred 
to Company E. 

Miner Clavenger enlisted Chicago, September 1, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant ; mustered out October, 31, 1865. 

George B. Davis enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; discharged February 
i8, 1862. 

San ford F. Dow enlisted September 1, 1861, Geneseo ; transferred to Com- 
pany E. 

Simon Elliott enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; veteran ; died New 
Albany, Ind., January 6, 1865. 

William H. Ellis enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; discharged June 25, 
1862; disability. 

William W. Fornote enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1862; veteran; pro- 
moted saddler. Sergeant; mustered out Octobir 31, 1865; address, Farmington, 111. 

Thomas Faunce enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; veteran; died at 
Cahaba prison January 13, 1865. 

James Fahey enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1865; veteran; promoted Regi. 
mental Quartermaster Sergeant. 

Milton Fries enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out September 23, 1864. 

Horace E. Fisher enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

John Fones enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; mustered out September 
23, 1864. 

William Fisk enlisted September 1, 1861. 

Charles N. Gibbs enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Warren Hart enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861, promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out September 23, 1864. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 239 

DanielS. Hubbard, enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Henry Hardesty enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; address Virginia City. Mont. 

Felix Hiner enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; transferred to Company E. 

Henry 0. Hill enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Farrier; mus- 
tered out September 23, 1864. 

George W. Hall enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; transferred to Com- 
pany E. 

George B. Houghton, enlisted at Morristown; promoted Sergeant; discharged 
October 13, 1862. 

Joseph Hart enlisted Geneseo. September 1, 1861; promoted Sergeant: 
mustered out September 23, 1864; residence, Wilton, Iowa. 

Edward Hazell enlisted Geneseo September 1861, 

Joseph Ireland enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; discharged October 
31, 1862. 

John G. Jacobs enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; died at Helena, Ark., 
August 4, 1862. 

John M. Kleckner enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; residence, Hum- 
boldt, Neb. 

William H. II. Kesler enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1862; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out July 8, 1865; prisoner of war; address, Carlton, 
Kan. 

George H. Lambert enlisted from State" of New York, September 1, 1862; 
transferred to Company E. 

Jacques Lyrivers enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; discharged October 
28, 1862; disability. 

Frederick Lawson enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Frank McCartney enlisted Geneseo, September 1. 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Sabetha, Kan. 

Robert McChesney enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Jacob Massland enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Ezekiel Morey enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; discharged March 10, 
1862, for disability. 

Freelin W. Manville, enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; address, 
Omaha, Neb. 

Samuel N. Munson enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted wagoner; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Septimus Manville enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Alexander Morrow enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; died in St. Louis, 
Mo., 1862. 

Walter H. Morrow enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; died at Keokuk, 
Iowa, October 28, 1862. 

William Morrow enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Samuel Morrow enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out September 23, 1864; address, Webster, Kan. 



240 HISTORY OF THE 

Isaac Morrow enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 18G1; mustered out Septem- 
ber 23, 1864; address, Kirwin, Kau. 

Oscar G. May enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Corporal; 
discharged June 25, 1862; disability. 

William G. Netzer enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Franklin Newton enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Corporal; 
discharged March 16, 1862, for disability. 

Jacob Richel enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; mustered out September 
23, 1864; residence Badgley, Iowa. 

Jeremiab H. Richmond enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Edwin A. Richmond enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Daniel E. Storke enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; discharged August 25, 
1862, for disability . 

Albert A. Sedgley enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out September 28, 1864. * 

Carl Swigan enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Corporal; dis- 
charged May 1, 1862. 

Lafayette F. Slater enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Corporal; 
discharged November 8, 1862. 

William B. Thompson enlisted Geneseo, September 1, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal; killed at Nashville, Tenn., December 16, 1864. 

Frank R, Tift enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; wounded at Gray's 
bridge, Ark., May 28, 1862; discharged December 9, 1862, for disability; 
address David City, Neb. 

William C. Thomas enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; transferred to 
Company E. 

Romaine Timmerman enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; veteran ; pro- 
moted bugler ; mustered out October 31, 1865 ; address Stella, Neb. 

John Timmerman enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861 : veteran ; pro- 
moted First Sergeant ; mustered out October 31, 1865: address Guide Rock, Neb. 

James H. Underwood enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864. 

William Withrow enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861; promoted Corpo- 
ral ; discharged September 19, 1862, for disability. 

John W. Wilson enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

Charles H. Ward enlisted at Genseo, September 1, 1861. 

James H. Ward enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; premoted Corpo- 
ral ; discharged August 29, 1862, for disability. 

Arnold Wilson enlisted at Geneseo. September 1, 1861 ; discharged February 
18, 1862 ; disability 

Henry Young enlisted at Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; mustered out Sep- 
tember 23, 1864. 

RECRUITS. 

Ole C. Anderson enlisted Rockton, September 26, 1864; substitute; mus- 
tered out as of Company D., Forty-fifth Illinois Infantry. 

Duval Anderson enlisted Geneseo, January 24, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 241 

William Abr enlisted at East Joliet, January 18, I860; died Gainesville, 
Ala., September 21, 1865. 

James Bl.ur enlisted Chicago, October 1, 1861; discharged May 1, 1862. 

Benjamin Broadbent enlisted at Atkinson; rejected. 

Albert H. Booth enlisted Geneseo, March 31, 1864; mustered out August 
25, 1865. 

Alden L. Booth enlisted at Elk Grove, January 18, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Peter Blackburn enlisted from Jackson, January 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Cyrus Bowers enlisted from East Joliet, January 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Samuel A. Beuford enlisted from Chicago, February 28. 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Bremer enlisted from Chicago, March 20, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James Brown mustered out October 31, 1865. , 

John Brown enlisted from Geneseo, March 31, 1864; never joined company. 

L. W. Campbell enlisted at Geneseo, 111., October 1, 1861, and was discharged 
from the service December 20, 1861, on application of his father, he being minor. 
He then returned to Geneseo. and soon after made another attempt to enter the 
service of his country, but the recruiting officer declined to receive him on account 
of his being under age. 

Soon afterward he entered the service of the United States Express Company 
as messenger, which position he rilled for four years, after which period he went 
out on the Union Pacific Railroad. In October, 1865, was made frontier agent 
of the Union Pacific Railroad, and had general charge of the material for con- 
struction in the extreme front until the completion of the road. He then returned 
to Chicago and was made train master of the Chicago Michigan, & Lake Shore 
Railway, remaining in that capacity until 1871, when he was promoted to the 
general agency of the road, with headquarters at Chicago. 

In 1873 he accepted the position of general traveling agent of the Chicago, 
Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, which position he retained till 1887, when he was 
tendered the position of local freight agent of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. 
Paul Railway at Chicago, which place he still holds. Mr. Campbell is a well- 
posted, thorough-going railroad man. who has always filled acceptably the various 
responsible and honorable places he has been called upon to assume, and has the 
full confidence and esteem of the railroad world aud the regard of many warm 
personal friends throughout the country. 

He was married in Chicago in 1867, and has one daughter. His present resi- 
dence and address is 779 North Clark street, Chicago. 

Morris Brown enlisted from Reed, January 18, 1865; never joined company. 

Elijah W. Bishop enlisted from Bloomington, February 6, 1865; deserted 
October 16, 1865. 

Charles R. Benedict enlisted from Chicago, February 21, 1865; mustered out 
July 20, 1865; address, Blue Rapids, Kan. 

John W. Clavenger enlisted from Munson, 111., October 1,1861; discharged 

16 



242 HISTORY OF THE 

June 25, 1862; re-enlisted from Osco, February 29, 1864; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Edson G. Comstock enlisted from Munson, 111., October 1, 1861; mustered 
out September 23, 1864. 

Albert Colbert enlisted from Munson, January 1, 1862; rejected. 

Samuel S. Crompton enlisted from Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as blacksmith. 

Charles Charleston enlisted from Geneseo, January 24, 1865; mustered out 
August 23, 1865. 

John Cottongale enlisted .March 20, 1864; mustered out August 30, 1865. 

Felix Clieffree enlisted from Hyde Park, January 19, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Benjamin Cheffree enlisted at St. Ann, March 25, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Frederick Conrad enlisted from Henry County, September 28, 1864; must- 
ered out October 13, 1865. 

Hiram Durham enlisted at Chicago, October 1, 1861 ; mustered out September 

30, 1864. 

Gustaff Danielson enlisted at Geneseo, February 26, 1864; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Herman Dumke enlisted at Chicago, March 29, 1865; mustered out October 

31, 1865. 

Angus Dumke enlisted at Chicago, March 29, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

John O. Daily enlisted from Evanston, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry C. Dimmocks enlisted from Black Hawk, March 9, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

John B. Decker enlisted at Phoenix, October 6, 1864; mustered out October 
13, 1865. 

Ezra J. Earl enlisted at Chicago, March 27, 1865; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

George Enderton enlisted from Henry County, September 28, 1864; mustered 
out October 13, 1865; address, New Windsor, 111. 

David R. P. Englehaupt enlisted at Edford, October 6, 1864; died Eastport, 
Miss., June 12, 1865. 

James Fones enlisted at Geneseo, December 1, 1861; killed at Savannah, 
Tenn., October 14, 1864. 

Henry B. Frank, enlisted from Geneseo, January 24, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Gustavus Franklin enlisted at Chicago, April 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Leon W. Finney enlisted from Lake Mackinaw, March 7, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James Feely enlisted at Onarga, August 1, 1862; mustered out June 8, 1865; 
address, Greenleaf, Kan. 

Daniel G. Fries enlisted from Flora, March 4, 1865; died at Iuka, Miss., 
July 15, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 243 

John Fries never joined company. 

James M. Graham enlisted from Ironton, Mo., April 1, 1862. 

Michael C. Griffen enlisted at Chicago, February 21, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address 188 W. Van Buren street, Chicago. 

John J. Galligan enlisted from Chicago, April 10, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; present address, Omaha, Neb., where he is chief of the fire department, 
a position he has held many years. 

Henry C. Gifford enlisted from Pine Rock, April 3, 18 65; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Melville Gardner enlisted from Rosefield, March 28, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Park B. Gerrard enlisted Black Hawk, March 9, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Lezim Gresman enlisted from St. Ann, March 25, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

James Gilmartin. 

Henry Harrington enlisted Chicago, October 1, 1861. 

William Hubbell enlisted at Current River, April 20, 1862; transferred to 
Company L. 

John Hickson enlisted Geneseo, January 24, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Joseph Herock enlisted Chicago, March 25, 1865; absent, sick, at muster out 
of regiment. 

William.Hidigns enlisted Chicago, March 25, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

James Healy enlisted from Osage, April 12, 1865; mustered out October 31, 

1865. 

John Howlett enlisted from Elk Grove, January 18, 1865, mustered out 

October 31, 1865. 

Andrew Hibbard enlisted from Chicago, October 6, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 13, 1865. 

Kerran Horan enlitsed from Lemont, March 27, 1865; died at Demopolis, Ala., 
October 16, 1865. 

Joseph Howell enlisted from Florence, January 20, 1865; never joined com- 
pany. 

Thomas Hopkins enlisted from Hopkins, March 7, 1865; deserted October 3, 
1865. 

Charles Hendricks discharged January 8, 1864; disability. 

Henry C. Ireland enlisted from Chicago, December 1, 1861. 

Oliver Jacobs enlisted from Geneseo, September 1, 1861 ; died at Helena, Ark., 
August 3, 1862. 

Gabriel Johnson enlisted from Chicago, May 5, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Josiah W. Jones enlisted from Onarga, August 1, 1862; muste.red out June 
8, 1865; address, Pleasanton, Kan. 

John H. Jones enlisted from Geneseo, January 21, 1865; deserted. 

Lucas Kraeber enlisted from Chicago, March 27, 1865; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 



244 HISTORY OF THE 

James II. Kirkpatrick enlisted from Rock Island, September 22, 1864; mus- 
tered out June 8, 1865. 

Jacob Kreizaz enlisted from Chicago, March 13, 1865; died at Gainesville, 
Ala. , August 26, 1865. 

William Kepler enlisted from Jackson, January 18, 1865; never joined com- 
pany. 

William Kelly enlisted from Chicago, January 19, 1865; never joined com- 
pany. 

H. Kason. 

Godfrey Laselle enlisted from Chicago, December 1, 1861; promoted Ser- 
geant; mustered out December 12, 1864. 

Adolph Laselle enlisted from Cambridge, December 1, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Bugler; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Michael Lynch enlisted from Osage, April 12, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Darius Lynchen enlisted from Chicago, March 29, 1864; never joined com- 
pany. 

David S. Leach enlisted from Reed, January 16, 1865; deserted September 
1, 1865. 

Richard H. Manville enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Richard Miller enlisted December 31, 1863, at Geneseo; prisoner at war; 
mustered out September 14, 1865; address, Aurora, Neb. 

Patrick Murray enlisted from Dover, March 24, 1861; died at Iuka, Miss., 
June 7, 1865. 

John McConnell enlisted from Chicago, February 2, 1864; never joined com- 
pany. 

Marion Malone enlisted from Chicago, February 21, 1865; deserted July 16, 
1865. 

Milton P. Nael enlisted from Chicago, October 11, 1864; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 13, 1865. 

Andrew Nichols enlisted from Chicago, April 6, 1865; deserted August 19, 
1865. 

Isaac Newton enlisted from Chicago, March 21, 1865; deserted October 16, 
1865. 

William Owen enlisted from Onarga, August 1, 1862; mustered out June 8, 
1865. 

Alonzo W. Olmsted enlisted from Prophetstown, January 4, 1864; died at 
Gainesville, Ala., September 17, 1865. 

Fergus Parker enlisted from Atkinson, January 15, 1862; mustered out Feb- 
ruary 15, 1865. 

James W. Parker enlisted from Geneseo, January 24, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Moline, 111. 

Archelaus Pugh enlisted from Chicago, October 17, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 13, 1865. 

William Pitts enlisted from Henry County, September 28, 1864; discharged 
February 14, 1865, for disability. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 245 

Felix Renshaw enlisted from Chicago, January 1, 1862; died at Helena, Ark., 
September 15, 1862. 

Samuel L. Rogers enlisted at Geneseo, March 25, 1864; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John A. Redman enlisted from Vienna, January 20, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Ervin Ryan enlisted from West Joliet, January 18, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

George Radcliff enlisted at Chicago, March 27, 1865; mustered out October 

31, 1865. 

Adolph Rosemeyer enlisted at Chicago, March 29, 1865; mustered out October 

ber31,l865. 

John E. Remour enlisted from Geneseo, Jauuary 21, 1865; mustered out June 

13, 1865. 

George Ray enlisted February 10, 1864; never joined company. 

Henry Rupert. 

Charles E. Smith enlisted at Geneseo, February 29, 1864; promoted Corporal; 
veteran recruit; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Gideon Smith enlisted from Geneseo, March 31, 1865; mustered put October 
31,1865. 

William Smith enlisted from Henry County, September 28, 1864; mustered 
out July 6, 1865. 

Darius R. Smith enlisted from Henry County, September 28, 1864; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out October 13, 1865. 

Julius S. Smith enlisted from Henry County, September 29, 1864; mustered 
out October 13, 1865. 

Jonas P. Sacrison enlisted February 20, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Henry Siefert enlisted from East Joliet, January 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Willis B. Stump enlisted at Chicago, March 27, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Eugene Spencer enlisted from Black Hawk, March, 28, 1865; mustered out 
31, 1865. 

Jerome A. Schutt enlisted from Osage, April 12, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

George W. Scroggins enlisted from Henry county, September 28, 1864; mus- 
tered out October 13, 1865. 

Oscar Schanck enlisted from Henry county, September 29, 1864; mustered out 
September 28, 1865. 

Adolph C. Sparger enlisted at Chicago, October 17, 1864; mustered out 

October 13, 1865. 

Carl Schanker enlisted at Chicago, January 12, 1864; never joined company. 

James T. Shaw enlisted from Lockport, April 12, 1865; deserted August 
19, 1865. 

James Taylor enlisted at Chicago, March 27, 1865; Corporal; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address Deer Creek, Minn. 



210 HISTORY OF THE 

Sidney E. Timmerman enlisted from Edford, March 30, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, L865. 

Henry E. Thompson enlisted at Chicago, March 27, 1865; mustered out 
October 31' 1865. 

Herman Thier enlisted from Mendota, March 10, 1965 ; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Philip O. Taber enlisted from Goshen, December 25, 1863; never joined 
company. 

Randolph Wilbanks enlisted from Ironton ; mustered out April 1, 1862; 
died at Helena, Ark., September 19, 1862. 

Ezra Welcher enlisted at Chicago, March 8, 1865 ; mustered out October 31, 
1865 as Corporal. 

Edwin F. Way enlisted from Joliet, January 18, 1865 ; Corporal ; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Lewis Wetz enlisted at Chicago, March 27th, 1865; mustered out October 31st, 
1865. 

Charles Wilson enlisted from Flora, January 18, 1865 ; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Charles F. Way enlisted frornE. Joliet, January 18, 1865; absent, sick, mus- 
ter out of regiment. 

George W. Warren enlisted from Henry County, September 28, 1864 ; mus- 
tered out October 13, 1865. 

Garrett A. Wilson enlisted from Henry County, September 28, 1864 ; mus- 
tered out October 13, 1865. 

Andrew G. Whitney enlisted from Henry County, January 28, 1864 ; mus- 
tered out October 13, 1865 : address Geneseo, 111. 

Squire Wright enlisted from Vienna, January 20, 1865; deserted October 
16, 1865. 

Robert Williams enlisted from Nebraska, January* 19, 1865 ; deserted July 
19, 1865. 

J. Woolcot. 

Gideon Young enlisted from Geneseo, January 15, 1865. 

COMPANY C. 

Company (\ of the Ninth, was recruited in Geneseo and Cam- 
bridge, 111., and vicinity mainly by John S. Buckles and Francis 
JI. McArthur. The full number desired was made up in less than 
a month, ;m<l an election was held at Geneseo on the evening of 
September 18, 1861. John S. Buckles was elected to be Captain, 
Charles W. Blakemore, First Lieutenant, and Francis II. McArthur, 
Second Lieutenant, and the company immediately took the cars 
for Chicago, arriving in camp on the morning of September 19, 
1861, and mustered into the service the same day for three years 
or during 1 lie war. 

The materia] of which this company was composed was the 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 247 

equal of any, and their record during the whole period of which 
the} r were soldiers was that of brave and patriotic men, many of 
them remaining in the service as veterans, and patiently and faith- 
fully performing every duty. 

In all the arduous campaigns of the regiment Company C 
was to be found, as also in many of the smaller affairs in which 
as good soldiers they showed themselves always to be equal to 
the occasion. In this company also many changes were made, 
either by resignation or promotion, and the new men who came 
prominently to the front reflected still higher honor upon the 
record of Company C. 

The number that mustered in originally was ninety-two, and 
the whole number belonging to the company was two hundred. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN BUCKLES. 

John S. Buckles was born in Miami county, Ohio, June 19, 1830: at the 
breaking out of the war, was a lawyer, having a well established practice in his 
profession at Cambridge, 111., of which place he had been a resident for many 
years. During the summer of 1861 he arranged his business in such a manner 
that he could leave, and started in to recruit a company for the service of his 
country. He was a popular man, and it was not long before he joined hands 
with a few gentlemen in the neighboring town of Geneseo, and the full comple- 
ment of a company for Colonel Brackett's regiment of Cavalry was enlisted. In 
the evening of September 18, 1861, an election was held in Geneseo, and the 
young lawyer was chosen captain of what became, after their arrival in camp the 
next day, Company C. 

Captain Buckles seemed to adapt himself readily to military life, and stood 
well in the regiment, remaining in the field until the month of March, 1862, when 
his health became impaired, and he resigned his commission, returning to his 
home in Henry County, where he successfully prost cuted the practice of law. 
He died in Geneseo, 111., August 11, 1874. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN BLAKEMORE. 

Charles W. Blakemore enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September, 1861, in the 
company that became Company C, of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

At the election, September 18th, he was selected to be First Lieutenant of the 
company. 

He had served in the Mexican War in Company I, Fourth Ohio Volunteers, 
and his military experience was valuable to his company. 

On the resignation of Captain Buckles he was promoted Captain of Company'' 
C, from April 2, 1862, remaining with the regiment through campaigns of the 
.-regiment in Missouri and Arkansas, and resigned at Helena, Ark., September 
27, 1862, and has since died, particulars not known. 



248 HISTORY OF THE 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN McARTHUR. 

Francis H. McArthur enlisted September 10, 1861, at Geneseo, 111. , and aided 
largely in recruiting men for Company C, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. At the election 
of officers he was chosen Second Lieutenant of the company, and mustered into 
service September 19, 1861; he was promoted Captain September 27, 1862, and 
served as a gallant officer until the expiration of his term of service. 

Captain McArthur was a most excellent officer, and was much liked by all, 
he was in many of the engagements and battles of the Ninth, and at Pontotoc 
and Tupelo, Miss., in July, 1864, was conspicuous for the gallantry with which 
he led his company in the thickest of the fight, and tile next day, July 16, at Har- 
risburg, was struck by a fragment of shell, receiving a severe and painful 
wound in the leg. He was then sent to the hospital at Memphis, and later receiv- 
ing a furlough, he spent some time at his home in Illinois. 

Returning to the command he was placed on court martial service at Mem- 
phis, Tenn., but was soon again on duty with his regiment, serving until Novem- 
ber 15, 1864, when he was musteied out. 

He then returned to Geneseo, 111., and was admitted to the bar, and has held 
various positions of trust during the last twenty years. 

His address is still his old home, Geneseo, 111. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN DAVISON. 

Smith A. Davison was a resident of Geneseo, 111., for many years previous 
to the war. He enlisted in Company C, September 10, 1861, and on the muster- 
in of his company was appointed Sergeant, later was promoted to be First Ser- 
geant, and on the 8th of April, 1863, was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and 
again promoted April 20, 1864, to First Lieutenancy in his company, and re- 
maining as a veteran, was commissioned Captain of Company C, March 28, 1865. 

Captain Davison was a popular man in the regiment, of a genial lively tem- 
perament, his stories were inimitable, and around the camp fires would often 
keep a crowd in convulsions of laughter till far into the night. He was a brave 
and good soldier, always prompt and ready for duty. 

He died at Evanston, Wyo. Ty, July 2, 1873. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT MARSHALL. 

Charles M. Marshall enlisted in Company C, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, January 
1, 1862, from Geneseo, 111.; was promoted sergeant soon afterward, and was com- 
missioned Second Lieutenanant, October 1, 1862, and again promoted, April 8, 
1863, to be First Lieutenant of his company, and remained on duty as an effi- 
cient and good officer till April 20, 1864, when he resigned and returned to his 
home in Geneseo, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT HARDING. 

Frederick W. Harding became a member of Company C, of the Ninth, Sep- 
tember 10, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran, January 1, 1864; was appointed Cor- 
poral, then Sergeant, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company C, 
March 28, 1865. 

Lieutenant Harding was a brave soldier and a good officer. He received a 




SMITH A, rULlZTSDN, 



Captairi Company C 



NINTH ILLINOIS CATALKY VOLUNTEERS. 249 

wound in the engagement at Stewart's Plantation, Ark., on June 27, 1862, and 
was laid up for a short time in consequence. 

Lieutenant Harding was always ready for duty, and was with the regiment 
in all its important battles during the war. His address, in 1887, was Mason, 
Iowa. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT PETTEYS. 

Stephen Petteys enlisted in Company C, Ninth Illinois Cavalry from Mun- 
son, 111., September 10, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864; was 
appointed Corporal, and then First Sergeant, and he was commissioned First 
Lieutenant of his company, March 28, 1865, and remained with the regiment till 
the final muster out, October 31, 1865, at Selma, Ala. 

Lieutenant Petteys was a faithful, good soldier, and almost constantly on 
duty during the whole of his more than four years of service. 

His present address, 1888, is Traer, Kan. 

John L. Davison enlisted in Company C, of the Ninth, September 10, 1861, 
and served with the regiment till his health failed him in the fall of 1862. He 
was sent to Mound City, and was there discharged from service September 1 
1862, for disability. 

While waiting for his discharge papers and pay in Springfield, 111., he 
secured employment in a jewelry store, and in the fall of 1867, opened business 
on his own account at Mason City, 111., where he has carried on the jewelry busi- 
ness for the past twenty-one years with several " ups and downs," having been 
robbed twice, and burned out the samh number of times. However, he has kept 
moving right along, and is now doing a good business, and highly respected as a 
man and public spirited citizen in the community in which he lives. 

His address now, 1888, is Mason City, 111. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY C. 

Sergeant John Gepkart enlisted from Hanna, September 10, 1861. 

Sergeant Joseph E. Loring enlisted from Annawan, September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged November 14, 1862. 

Corporal Alden G. Cushman enlisted from Henry County, September 10, 
1861; veteran; absent, sick, at muster out of regiment; address, Kewanee, 111. 

Corporal Augustus S. Berriman enlisted from Loraine, September 10, 1861. 

Corporal James Bracken enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out September 21, 1864; address, Geneseo, 111. 

James M. Brown enlisted September 10, 1861; promoted Bugler. 

Edward B. Cook enlisted from Clover, September 10, 1861; Bugler; veteran; 
promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Thomas A. Matsel enlisted September 10, 1861; promoted Farrier; veteran; 
promoted Sergeant; killed at Campbellville, November 24, 1864. 

Samuel Aldridge enlisted from Cambridge, September 10, 1861; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out September 23, 1864. 

EliB. Atwater enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861. 

Paul Anderson enlisted September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted Farrier; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Henry H. Brown enlisted September 10, 1861. 



250 HISTORY OF THE 

William H. Bushnell enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861; veteran; 
promoted First Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Bozeman, 
Mont. 

Marcus Burton enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1561 ; mustered out Sep- 
tember 23, 1864; address Geneseo, 111. 

William Bartlett enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; discharged July 
27, 1862. 

John Barton enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861; veteran; deserted 
September 25, 1865. 

Amos Butler enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861. 

Steven Benedict enlisted from Cambridge, September 10, 1861. 

Harrison Becker enlisted from Andover, September 10, 1861: veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 31. 1865. 

William P. Bryson enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; veteran, pro- 
moted Saddler; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Michael B. Bristol enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; discharged 
September 29, 1862; address, Cambridge, 111. 

George S. Boyd enlisted from Osco, September 10, 1861. 

Henry Bichels enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
blacksmith; mustered out October 31. 1865. 

Herman Bauer enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Mohawk Hill, N. Y. 

Lawrence Cherry enlisted from Geneseo, September 10,1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864. 

John L. Calbert enlisted from Hanna, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864, as company Quartermaster Sergeant. 

William S. Crozer enlisted from Loraine, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864; address, Jefferson, Iowa. 

, Albert A. Crandall enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864. 

John Dolquist enlisted September 10, 1861; veteran; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles Dailey enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861 . 

George Dykens enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Albert Doro enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Abram Farker enlisted from Phoenix, September 10, 1861. 

John G. Goe enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; veteran; absent, 
sick, at muster out of regiment. 

Benjamin W. Goble enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Tobias Heltzel enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; mustered out Sep- 
tember 23, 1864. 

John Hoffman enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 21, 1865. 

Henry B. Hall enlisted from Osco, September 10, 1861. 

ArnettF. Harding enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
September 29, 1864; address Geneseo, 111. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 251 

Bruno Host enlisted from Atkinson, September 10, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Lucien S. Johnson enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861; died at Helena, 
Ark., August, 29, 1862. 

Elgee J. Jenkins enlisted from Phoenix, September 10, 1861; killed at Cot- 
ton Plant, Ark., May 17, 1862. 

Franklin Kirk enlisted from Annawan, September 10, 1861; discharged for 
disability March 17, 1862. 

James H. Kirkpatrick enlisted from Colona, September 10, 1861; discharged 
October 24, 1862; address St. Joseph, Neb. 

Hiram Latson enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company L. 

Theodore Lasaire enlisted at Geneseo, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

William H. Lockwood enlisted at Geneseo, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864. 

Thomas J. McClelland enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Com- 
pany E. 

Christiau Miller enlisted from Andover, September 10, 1861; discharged 
November 9, 1862. 

Charles M. Melbin enlisted from Edford, September 10, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Judson Morgan enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861. 

Samuel B. McChonchen enlisted at Geneseo, September 10, 1861; promoted 
Corporal; discharged November 14, 1862. 

Orlando F. Middaugh enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; died at 
Keokuk, Iowa, October 13, 1862. 

Alexander H. Mapes enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; veteran; 
promoted First Sergeant; died at Memphis, Tenn., September 8, 1864, of wounds. 

Henry Netzer enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1S64, as Sergeant. 

Samuel H. Nisiwinder enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Com- 
pany E. 

Samuel Naramore enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861. 

Daniel M. Pierce enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; discharged 
July 27. 1862, as Corporal; address, Cambridge, 111. 

Jacob M. Peyton enlisted from Clover, September 10, 1861. 

William Remney enlisted Geneseo, September 10, 1861. 

Jonathan Reighard enlisted from Phoenix, September 10, 1861. 

Isaac Rogers enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company L. 

Jared Rood enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1861. 

John Ringle enlisted from Osco, September 10, 1861; mustered out September 
23, 1864; address Cambridge, 111. 

Lyman Shearer enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861. 

Lewis G. Storms enlisted Geneseo, September 10, 1861: saddler; died at 
Reeve's Station; Mo., March 25, 1862. 

Franklin M. Scoville enlisted from Andover, September 10, 1861; died at 
Pilot Knob, Mo., March 13, 1862. 



252 HISTORY OF THE 

John W. Smith enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company E. 

Martin A. Snyder enlisted Geneseo, September 10, 1861; discharged August 
28, 1862. 

Augustus Streed enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company E. 

Henry Stahl enlisted Geneseo, September 10, 1861; discharged November 30, 
1862; address Marshalltown, Iowa. 

Philip Slick enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company E. 

Andrew J. Taylor enlisted from Munson September 10, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Delos Taylor enlisted Geneseo, September 10, 1861; deserted December 26, 
1861. 

Swan Tell enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company E. 

Hiram S. Tuttle enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
September 21, 1864. 

Francis Vogus enlisted from Osco, September 10, 1§61; veteran; promoted 
Corporal, mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Gilbert M. Vincent enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; discharged 
September 25, 1862 as Farrier; address Ashton, Dak. 

William G. Vining enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; discharged 
March 1, 1862; address Huntstown, Ohio. 

David Waterman enlisted at Cambridge, September 10, 1861; discharged 
March 16, 1862, for disability. 

Lewis Weaver enlisted from Hanna, September 10, 1861, address Cleveland, 
111. 

Theodore Wells enlisted from Atkinson, September 10, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; absent, sick, at muster out of regiment. 

Moses York enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; died at Helena, Ark., 
September 4, 1862. 

RECRUITS. 

Edwin A. Anderson enlisted at Geneseo March 30, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Harrison Adams enlisted at Chicago, March 14, 1865; deserted September 27, 
1865. 

George W. Boyd enlisted from Osco, February 24, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

William H. Bosworth enlisted from Chicago, March 10, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George Buckholtz enlisted from Chicago, March 16, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Nelson J. Bozarth enlisted at Chicago, March 9, 1865 : mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865 ; address Valparaiso, Ind. 

Daniel Crommett enlisted at Geneseo, October 30, 1861 ; died at Anderson- 
ville, October 1. 1864. 

Clement Cushman, enlisted at Geneseo, February 1, 1862; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865; address Carbon Cliff, 111. 

Alexander A. Colbert enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865 ; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 253 

George W. Curry enlisted from Black Hawk, March 28, 1865 ; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Michael Cooper enlisted from Henry County, September 30, 1864 ; mustered 
out October 14. 1865. 

Charles Callender enlisted from Spring, March 4, 1865; deserted July 18, 1865. 

William H. Dennis enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 31, 1864. 

Carl C. Dittmere enlisted at Chicago, March 9, 1865 ; mustered out October 
31, 1865 ; address Maryville, Mo. 

John W. Davis enlisted from Sulphur Springs, March 15, 1865; mustered 
out October 19, 1865. 

Harris Durkie enlisted at Chicago, March 10, 1865 ; mustered out October 31, 
1865 ; represents Mrs. Sarah J. Holden. 

John L. Davison enlisted from Knox County, October 20, 1864 ; mustered 
out May 31, 1865. 

Simon B. Downing enlisted at Chicago, April 18, 1864 ; died August 30, 1864, 
of wounds. 

Joseph Farris enlisted from Rockford, March 13, 1865 ; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Charles W. Francisco enlisted from Leipertown, March 16, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

William L. Fruit enlisted from Onargo, September 20, 1862; discharged 
September 22, 1865, for disability. 

George Gephart enlisted from Hanna, September 10, 1861; discharged De- 
cember 1, 1864. 

Daniel Gross enlisted^Chicago, March 10, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Thomas L. Green enlisted at Chicago, March 9, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address, West Union, Iowa. 

Joshua Griff en enlisted from Black Hawk, March 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Andalusia, 111. 

William H. H. Gleasner enlisted from Westfield, March 7, 1865; deserted 
July 18, 1865. 

Charles F. Howard enlisted from Wauconda, March 10, 1665; promoted 
Bugler; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick A. Head enlisted at Rock Island, April 25, 1864; on detached ser- 
vice at muster-out of regiment . 

Martin J. Heltzell enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Adam Hoffmeir enlisted from Covington, February 17, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George Henninger enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James F. Henninger enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Thomas C. Hill enlisted from South Pekin, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 



254 HISTORY OF THE 

Albert Iluggett enlisted from Spring, March 4, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Melrose, Wis. 

William H. Horning enlisted from Rockford, March 8, 1865; mustered out 
Octobor 31, 1865. 

Albert M. Hawkins enlisted at Chicago, April 4, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Orrin S. Hawkins enlisted at Chicago, April 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Lyman Higle} r enlisted at Chicago, March 10, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James Howardson enlisted from Black Hawk, March 9, 1865; mustered out 
September 19, 1865. 

George Holbrook enlisted from Osco, February 24, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Balthazer Henholtzer enlisted from Chicago, January 28, 1865; mustered out 
June 7, 1865. 

Alosius Hull enlisted from French Village, February 17, 1865; deserted Au- 
gust 14, 1865. 

William Harris enlisted from Onarga, September 16, 1862; prisoner of war; 
mustered out July 8, 1865. 

Jackson Isaacs enlisted from Caseyville, February 17, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Thomas Johnson enlisted at Chicago, March 10, 1863; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Henry Kapitska enlisted from Edford, March 30, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Asoph King enlisted from Flora, March 4, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865; address Central City, Neb. 

Absalom G. King enlisted from Phoenix, March 17, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address Amity, Neb. 

Joseph Lander enlisted March 28, 1862; promoted Sergeant; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Shepherd Linscott enlisted at Chicago, February 24, 1865; promoted Corpo- 
ral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Andrew Linberg enlisted at Geneseo, March 31, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Francis H. Leiver enlisted from Palatine, February 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Benedict Leuder enlisted at Chicago, March 2, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Leonard Long enlisted from Sulphur Springs, March 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Lattimore enlisted from De Kalb, March 7, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William Lenney died at St. Louis, Mo., December 17, 1863. 

Benjamin P. Munson enlisted from Geneseo, January 5, 1864; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 255 

John B. Mapes enlisted from Tiskilwa, December 17, 1863; promoted Corpo- 
ral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John M. Malone enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry Miller enlisted from Edford, March 10, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Hiram Miller enlisted from Chicago, March 11, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John McGovin enlisted from Chicago, February 24, 1865; mustered out May 
25, 1865. 

Abner A. Mitchel enlisted from Henry County, September 30. 1864; mustered 
out to date from September 2, 1865. 

Joseph Moore enlisted from Halleck, June 21, 1865; deserted July 4, 1865. 
Augustus Nelson enlisted from Chicago, April 25, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 81, 1865. 

Theodore Post enlisted from Geneseo, September 10, 1861; discharged Sep- 
tember 1, 1862. 

Joseph Phelps enlisted from Genesoe, September 10, 1861; mustered out'Octo- 
ber 27, 1864. 

Wiley Peoney enlisted from Geneseo, December 8, 1862; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

James M. Penney enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George B. Posson enlisted from Chicago, March 2, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; address, Milwaukee, Wis. 

John Quilleu enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles H. Rennington enlisted from Geneseo, January 2, 1864; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

William Remington enlisted from Colona, April 6, 1865; mustered out October 
81, 1865. 

Carl Rhodes enlisted from Geneseo, March 30, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Alonzo Rivers enlisted from Chicago, March 11, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Richard Rockafelles enlisted from Westfield, March 7, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William Ragsdale enlisted from Chicago, March 1, 1864; deserted August 14, 
1865. 

Henry Robinson enlisted from Spring, March 4, 1865; deserted July 18, 1865. 
William L. Simonton enlisted at Geneseo, September 10, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

George W. Scott enlisted from Munson, September 10, 1861; died at Helena, 
Ark., November 8. 1862. 

Clayborn M. Showers enlisted from Cambridge, December 1, 1861; dis- 
charged at Chicago. 

William Shoals enlisted from Spring, March 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 



256 HISTORY OF THE 

Edward T. Sawyer enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James J. Smith, enlisted from Palatine, February 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Martin P. Swett enlisted from Westfield, March 7, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Hiram Stratton enlisted from Dorr, March 7, 1^65; mustered out October 
81, 1865. 

John G. Schurr enlisted from Coral, March 1,' 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Partons Schoononer enlisted from De Kalb, March 7, 1865; mustered out 
October 81, 1865. 

Andrew T. Thompson enlisted at Geneseo, March 31, 1864; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John D. Thompson enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865: mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James Taylor enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George Troatman enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Samuel Tindell enlisted from French Village, February 17, 1865; deserted 
August 14, 1865. 

Kirkland G. Vincent enlisted at Cambridge, December 1, 1861; discharged 
October 9, 1862; address, Moline, 111. 

Robert Vetter enlisted from Edford, March 30, 1864; died March 12, 1865. 

William Woldschleyer enlisted from Edford, March 30, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Scribner, Neb. 

William H. Walters enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Martin M. Williams enlisted at Chicago, March 17, 1865, mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Franklin H. Woodward enlisted from Henry County, September 29, 1864; 
mustered out to date September 28, 1865; address, Osco, 111. 

Charles E. Watson enlisted at Chicago, March 10, 1865; deserted August 4, 
1865. 

COMPANY D. 

Company D, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was originally recruited 
by William J. Wallace, Llewllyn Co wen and John H. McMahon, 
and its ranks were made up from Chicago, Jerseyville and Virden, 
111., and vicinity, and a number from Toledo, Ohio, and these 
three gentlemen were elected to be the first commissioned officers, 
and went into camp in the latter part of September, 1861, and 
were mustered into the service September 26th. 

Of this company it may be said that they were good fighters, 




HIRAM A, HAWKINS, 

Sergeant Cornpany D. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 257 

and in the long time of their service acquitted themselves with 
credit, and under the leadership of some of their officers, who 
were notably brave and dashing, and never backward when hard 
knocks were to be given or received. A large part of those of the 
company in March, 1864, re-enlisted as veterans, and under the 
lead of men who had remained faithful to the cause did their 
full share in maintaining the credit of the regiment in all the vari- 
ous duties they were called on to perform. 

This company, while on escort and courier service with Gen- 
eral Sweeney, was often called upon for very hazardous courier 
duty, and were so fortunate in their performance of these duties, 
as to merit and receive the thanks of the General, who expressed 
an earnest desire to take Company D with him when he left 
that district; this however, was not allowed. 

The deaths in Company D were one Lieutenant, one Ser- 
geant, one Corporal, one Bugler and thirty-nine privates. The 
number at original muster was eighty-nine men, and there were 
borne on the rolls first and last two hundred. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN COWEN. 

Llewllyn Cowen enlisted a part of those who afterward became members of 
Company D, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, in the vicinity of Virden and Jerseyville, 
111.; came up to Chicago and was mustered into the United States service Sep- 
tember 26, 1861, as First Lieutenant, and on the promotion of Captain Wallis to a 
mayorship, he was commissioned Captain, March 1, 1862; remained with the 
regiment on duty the most of the time till his term of service expired, September 
23, 1864, when he mustered out of the service, returning to bis old home at 
Virden, 111., where he died. 

While the regiment was in West Tennessee the gallant Captain Cowen was 
made happy by the presence of Mrs. Cowen, who often entertained her husband's 
brother officers in a very charming manner. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN KELLEY. 

Patrick Kelley enlisted at Toledo, Ohio, September 10, 1861, and came to 
Chicago with a number of recruits, and joined his fortunes with those of Com- 
pany D, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He was mustered into the service as First Ser- 
geant, September 26, 1861, was commissioned Second Lieutenant, October 18, 
1862, and was again promoted to be First Lieutenant, July 16, 1864, when the 
brave Lieutenant McMahon was killed at Tupelo. When the company re-enlisted 
as veterans, Lieutenant Kelley was commissioned Captain of Company D, and 
remained with the regiment till the final muster out of the same, October 31, 1865. 

Captain Kelley was a popular officer, always prompt and ready, and his 
genial manner and true Irish wit made him a general favorite. He was on 
IT 



258 HISTORY OF THE 

detached service as Judge Advocate, and was one of the officers of the Ninth 
assigned to duty in the summer of 1865 to administer the oath of Amnesty. He 
died February 8, 1888, at East Saginaw, Mich. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT CONN. 

George W. Conn enlisted from Jerseyville, 111., September 10, 1861, in Com- 
pany D, of the Ninth, and on the muster in of the company, September 26, 1861, 
was appointed Sergeant, and was commissioned Second Lieutenant, March 1, 
1862, and served with the company through Missiouri and Arkansas till October 
18, 1862, when his health failing he resigned and returned to his old home in 
Illinois. His present address is Jerseyville, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT McMAHON. 

John H. McMahon joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry with the men who came 
from Toledo, Ohio. He was commissioned Second Lieutenant and mustered into 
the service September 26, 1861. 

Lieutenant McMahon was the youngest officer of the regiment. He was very 
impetuous, and brave to rashness, but always ambitious to do his whole duty, and 
his quick temper and overbearing manner sometimes got him into trouble; still he 
was well liked, and his many brave and noble qualities won him many friends 
among his brother officers and comrades; promoted to be First Lieutenant, March 
1, 1862. 

In July, 1863, while in command of Company H, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, at 
Tupelo, Miss., while gallantly and bravely charging at the head of his company, 
he met with a shower of rebel bullets, and fell a victim to what was thought at the 
time a useless order by Colonel Mower, and one entirely barren of results except 
to lose us a number of good men. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT RATZ. 

Benjamin Ratz enlisted from Toledo, Ohio, December 20, 1861, and 
re-enlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864; was appointed Sergeant, and May 10, 
1865, was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company D, serving with the com- 
pany till the final muster out of the regiment at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865. 

Lieutenant Ratz was a brave officer and gallant soldier, constantly on duty, 
and was always considered " one of the reliables." 

After the war he returned to his old home at Toledo, Ohio, which is his 
present address, in 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT HAZLETT. 

James H. Hazlett enlisted in Girard, September 10, 1861; re-enlisted as a vet- 
eran January 1, 1864; was promoted and was appointed Sergeant, and again 
promoted to be First Lieutenant, and commissioned as such, March 28, 1865, 
remaining with the regiment and participating in all its battles, trials and hard- 
ships till the close of the war, when he was mustered out with the regiment 
October 31, 1865, at Springfield, 111. 

Lieutenant Hazlett was a good soldier, always ready for duty, brave and gal- 
lant. He had the regard of all his comrades. 

After his muster out he wandered to the West and is now, May, 1888, located 
at Edgar, Neb. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 259 

HIRAM A. HAWKINS 

enlisted at Virden, 111., September 10, 1861, in Company D, of the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry, and was promoted Sergeant, and later again promoted as First Sergeant 
of his company, serving faithfully as a good soldier until the expiration of his 
term, September 23, 1864. 

Comrade Hawkins was a man who was highly esteemed, and was always to 
be relied upon to perform whatever came in the line of duty. He was detailed 
by order of General Washburn to serve with Captain Knight at Fort Pickering 
in the spring of 1864, and was soon after given charge of the postoffice in the 
fort, afterward was placed in charge of troops between Vicksburg, Memphis and 
Cairo, and served intelligently in that important responsible position till his final 
muster out in the fall of 1864, when he was ordered to Springfield, 111., for final 
payment and discharge. 

Since the war he has been engaged in his old trade as millwright, and latterly 
in the employ of the city of Chicago in the responsible position of Superintendent 
of Meters in the water department; a genial, honorable, pleasant gentleman, 
much respected by all who know him. His address, 1888, is Chicago, 111. 

CHARLES C. WHITE, 

from Waterford, Mich., enlisted in Company D, of the Ninth Illinois- Cavalry, 
September 10, 1861, and served with the regiment as a good soldier, brave and 
always ambitious to do his whole duty. 

He was engaged in all the battles of the regiment up to August 22, 1864, at 
Coldwater, Miss., when he was captured by the rebels on the "Grenada Raid," 
and was taken to Libby and Belle Isle prisons, and was paroled at Richmond 
March 7, 1864, and exchanged at St. Louis May 7 following, and rejoined the 
regiment at once at Memphis, Tenn., soon after which he was promoted First Ser- 
geant of his company, and was with the regiment constantly till the expiration of 
his term of service, and was mustered out Septembor 23, 1864. 

Of late years Comrade White has been a resident of the West, where he is one 
of the highly respected citizens of Nebraska, and is a very popular man. He 
has been State Senator, and has large milling interests at Crete and Valparaiso. 

His home at this time, May, 1888, is in the town of Crete, Neb. 

SAMUEL B. DAVIS 

enlisted at Toledo, Ohio, September 10, 1861, in Company D, of the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry, and re-enlisted as a veteran January 1 , 1864, serving with the regiment 
faithfully all these years as a good soldier and patriot. 

At Jacksonport, Ark., in the spring of 1862, he, in connection with others of 
the Ninth, took possession of a printing office whieh the rebel editors had 
deserted and abandoned, and receiving an order from Colonel Brackett, approved 
by General Fred Steele, proceeded to transform the institution into a Union paper, 
styled the Cavalier, which was issued as "often as convenient" while the regi- 
ment remained in this vicinity, and which was a source of much amusement and 
some little financial success to the self-assumed proprietors. 

Comrade Davis was a wide-awake young man. and after serving through the 
whole war creditably as a soldier, he returned to the North, and has been engaged 



2G0 HISTORY OF THE 

for many years in the conduct of the McComb Herald in Ohio, but has recently 
made a change of base, and is now located at Knox, Ind., where he is conducting 
The Republican, and where we wish hirn much success. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY D. 

Sergeant Alexander Klaucke enlisted September 10, 1861. 
Sergeant Walter A. McCaron enlisted from Toledo, September 10, 1861; 
veteran; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Toledo, Ohio. 

Corporal Benjamin Ferris enlisted from Whiteford, Mich., September 10, 
1861. 

Corporal John W. Weisner enlisted from Nieder, September 10, 1861; died 
Germantown, Tenn., June 4, 1863. 

Corporal Bruce Hoffman enlisted from Defiance, Ohio, September 10,1861; 
discharged July 17, 1862. 

Corporal William H. Orr. 

Farrier Louis Meyer enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Bugler Henry Katsa enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; died 
at Memphis, Tenn., October 20, 1864. 

Bugler Michael O'Brien enlisted from Toledo, September 10, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Chief Bugler; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Lewis Andrews enlisted from Jersey ville, September 10, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick Ahlefield enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Gilbert Boody enlisted from Newport, Mich., September 10, 1861. 

George M. Baugh enlisted from Jerseyville, September 10, 1861 . 

Conrad Buck enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861. 

Frederick Buck enlisted from Hanover, September 10, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal October 31, 1865. 

William W. Bower enlisted from Toledo, September 10, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal and First Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Michael Casey enlisted from Chicago, October 1,1861; deserted March 26, 1864. 

Courtland C. Cushman enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Owen Carl enlisted from Chicago, October 1, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George Cowen enlisted from Jerseyville, September 10, 1861; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out September 23, 1864. 

James Cornelius enlisted September 10, 1861. 

William Conskay enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; died at Helena, 
Ark., October 1, 1862. 

Philip Deceness enlisted September 19, 1861: veteran: promoted sergeant; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Peter H. Donnolly enlisted September 25, 1861; transferred to Company K. 

Henry Duenenig enlisted from Washington, September 10, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out, October 31, 1865. 

George Davison enlisted from Kingston, Canada, September 10, 1861. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 261 

William E. Evans enlisted from Virden, September 10, 1861; promoted Ser- 
geant; mustered out September 24, 1864; address, Jacksonville, 111. 

John Everding enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861. 

Christian Fehrenkamp enlisted from Proviso, September 10, 1861; discharged 
in February, 1863, and died at Proviso, 111., in March, 1863. 

Henry Fehrenkamp enlisted from Proviso, 111., September 10, 1861, and 
served faithfully with his company until his health gave way. He was offered 
a corporalship; was sent to Keokuk Hospital in the month of September, 1862, 
and was discharged.for disability January 5, 1863. 

When somewhat recovered in health he went into a wholesale boot and shoe 
house, where he remained for fourteen years. He then started in business for 
himself in teaming, but has been obliged to give that up. His old diseases con- 
tracted in the army (rheumatism and chronic diarrhoea) have troubled him in all 
the past twenty-five years. So that at this time, July, 1888, he is unable to work. 
His residence is the home he owns at 323 North May street, Chicago. 

John Fincel enlisted from Virden, September 10, 1861; promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out September 23, 1864. 4 

John Goodall enlisted from Toledo, Ohio, September 10, 1861; died at He- 
lena, Ark., July 29, 1862. 

Henry Gaberski enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Bugler; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick Hasse enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Francis Horer enlisted from Toledo, September 10, 1861: died at Camp Doug- 
las December 25, 1861. 

Wesley Hyke enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company K. 

Edgar Hyke enlisted from Toledo, September 10, 1861; mustered out Novem- 
ber 19, 1864. 

Joseph Hickson enlisted from Dixon, Iowa, September 10, 1861; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out September 23, 1864; Big Rock, Iowa. 

Robert Harnie enlisted from Toledo, September 10, 1861. 

John Hankdy enlisted from Jersey ville, September 10,1861; veteran; ap- 
pointed blacksmith; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Conrad Ingleking enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; died April 19, 
1862. 

John H. Johnson enlisted from Virden, September 10, 1861; promoted Sad- 
dler Sergeant; mustered out October 7, 1864; address, Worthington, Minn. 

James King enlisted at Chicago, September 10, 1861; died at Memphis, Tenn. 

Patrick King enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Louis Kuttermeyer enlisted from Sumner, September 10, 1861. 

John Klebenow enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Conrad Kale. 

Francis Kelley enlisted at Chicago, October 1, 1861; discharged September 
18, 1862, for disability. 

Diedrich Langlett enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; appoint- 
ed Wagoner; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Woodworth, 111. 



262 HISTORY OF THE 

Christoff Lidkey enlisted September 10, 1861, from Crete. 

George Laubault enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Denis Maher enlisted from Toledo, September 10, 1861; appointed Corporal; 
drowned at Cairo, 111., March 22, 1864. 

John McBride enlisted from Sylvania, Ohio, September 10, 1861; died at Hel- 
ena, Ark., October IB, 1862. 

Joseph Mackey enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company K. 

Benjamin Mackey enlisted from Cincinnati, September 10, 1861; died Febru- 
ary 16, 1863. 

Aaron Miner enlisted from Jerseyville, September 10, 1861, address, Kane, 
111. 

John Philip Meyer enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861. 

Frederick Moor enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Conrad Mast enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; mustered out Septem- 
ber 23, 1864; address, Ohiowa, Neb. 

John C. Nicholson enlisted from Sangamon, September 10, 1861; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out September 23, 1864; address, Virden, 111. 

John H. Price enlisted from Jerseyville, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
September 23, 1864; address, Jerseyville, 111. 

Christoff Paul enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Joseph Pellett enlisted from Toledo, September 10, 1861; promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out October 7, 1864. 

Arthur Rooney enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Thomas Redwood enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Henry Rupricht enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Conrad Rogers enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861 . 

George W. Smith enlisted from Lansing, Mich., September 10, 1861; died at 
Helena, Ark., October 1, 1862. 

Frederick Schoffe enlisted from Proviso, September 10, 1861; address, Lost 
Nation, Iowa. 

Pierson Sevanson enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Michael Schrieber enlisted from Virden, September 10, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Christoff Shaeffer enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; killed August 21, 
1864. 

Conrad Stege enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; veteran; absent, sick 
at muster out of regiment. 

Conrad Sueir enlisted from Crete, September 10, 1861; discharged November 
29, 1862. 

Charles Selvey enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Henry Selling enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Dedrich Towne enlisted from Addison, September 10, 1861; discharged Sep- 
tember 10, 1863, for disability. 

George F. Walker enlisted from Jerseyville, September 10, 1861. 







CHARLES C. WHITE, 

Sergeant Company D. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 263 

Christoff Wiholm enlisted from Monroe county, Mich., September 10, 1861; 
discharged on writ of habeas corpus January 8, 1862. 

RECRUITS. 

Frederick Adrian enlisted from Crete, October 8, 1861; transferred to Com- 
pany E. 

William Arkanberg enlisted at Chicago, April 19, 1864; mustered out October 
81, 1865. 

Bernard Boddeker enlisted at Chicago, October 8, 1861; mustered out Octo- 
ber 19, 1864. 

Charles Burmester enlisted from Hushagrove, September 23, 1861; died at 
St. Louis, November 9. 1862. 

Henry Bitter enlisted at Chicago, February 28,1865; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

George Baumback enlisted at Chicago, March 8, 1865; promoted Bugler; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Alexander Babcock enlisted from Flora, January 24, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Godleb Birk enlisted from Rich, February 20, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Jacob Birk enlisted from Rich, February 20, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Frank Blaner (or Planer) enlisted from Niles, February 23, 1865, mustered 
out October 31, 1865; address, Saxony, Ind. 

Frank J. Berg enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address, Jefferson, Wis. 

Josiah W. Blake enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Benjaman Brandon enlisted March 8, 1865; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

George Barthleme enlisted from Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out 
August 22, 1865. 

Henry Carroll enlisted from Chicago, December 15, 1861 ; deserted February 
6, 1862. 

John Cragons enlisted from Chicago, Octobers, 1861; discharged July 29, 
1862. 

James Conner enlisted from Virden, 111., February 22, 1862. 

Charles H. Conger enlisted from Schaumburg, January 4, 1865; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; residence, Toledo, Ohio. 

William R. Carey enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Williamson Cox enlisted from Chicago, March 17, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

George D. Carter enlisted from Coe, March, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Joseph Crane enlisted from Chicago, September 27, 1864; mustered out June 
9, 1865. 

Frederick Drier enlisted from Thornton, February 27, 1865; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 



264 HISTORY OF THE 

Daniel Day enlisted from Flora, January 24, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865; residence, 1022 W. Jackson street, Chicago. 

Peter F. Devinny enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Augustus Deathloff enlisted from Chicago, March 14, 1865; mustered out 
October 13, 1865; resides at Denver, Colo. 

Christian Durhardt enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Anthony Dumas enlisted from Virden, February 1, 1864; deserted Decem- 
ber 12, 1864. 

Thomas C. Flynn enlisted from Chicago, April 16, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865 

William A. French enlisted from Spring, January 26, 1865; musiered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry C. Fullerton enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Flynn enlisted from Talkington, January 25, 1865; mustered out August 
4, 1865. 

John Grant enlisted from Chicago, January 9, 1862; deserted January 13, 
1862. 

William E. Galliger enlisted from Wheeling, February 15, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; residence 294 Claremont avenue, Chicago. 

John Gill enlisted from Chicago, March 16, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Henry C. Glauz enlisted at Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Peter Glauz enlisted from Chicago, April 3, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

John Gilbert enlisted from Chicago, April 10, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John George enlisted from Chicago, February 27, 1865; mustered out June 
13, 1865. 

William Hardikopp enlisted from Crete, October 8, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Martin Hullihan enlisted at Chicago, February 19, 1862; veteran; deserted 
November 15, 1864. 

Milo Helmer enlisted from Jefferson, January 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; now resides at St. Joseph, Mo. 

Frank Hunt enlisted from Belvidere, January 24, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; resides at 454 S. Western avenue, Chicago. 

John Hai enlisted at Chicago, February 20, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Nicholas Hai enlisted from Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Henry Hurth enlisted at Chicago, February 27, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. ' 

William Hill enlisted at Chicago, March 17, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 265 

Richard Hafferberg enlisted at Chicago, February 24, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William Harrington enlisted from Belvidere, January 24, 1865; mustered 
out October 31. 1865. 

Rodamus Hazard enlisted from Rich, January 24, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 81, 1865. 

Uriah Hartwick enlisted from Round Grove, October 4, 1864; mustered out 
October 24, 1865. 

John II. Hickman enlisted from Flora, January 24, 1865; deserted August 
15, 1865. 

John Johnston enlisted from Port Byron, 111., December 20, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

William Jarris enlisted at Chicago, February 19, 1862; veteran; dishonorably 
discharged July 19, 1862; Sentence, G. C. M. 

Otto Katza enlisted at Chicago, April 19, 1864; promoted Corporal; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick W. Kune enlisted at Chicago, January 26, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Louis Kneisel enlisted at Chicago, February 15, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865; address La Foon, Dak. 

Isaac Keller enlisted at Chicago, March 8. 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Walter L. Knott enlisted from Jefferson, 111., January 23, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Joseph Leohle enlisted at Chicago, October 2, 1861. 

August Luhman enlisted at Crete, October 8, 1861. 

William Linton enlisted at Chicago, January 14, 1862; rejected January 19, 
1862. 

R. W. Lykes (or Likes) enlisted at Chicago, March 17, 1865; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

William Lelga enlisted at Chicago, April 19, 1864; mustered out October 10, 
1865. 

William Landerback enlisted at Chicago, February 27, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Michael Mahoney enlisted from Phoenix, October 1, 1861; mustered out Octo- 
ber 19, 1864. 

August Meyer enlisted from Crete, October 1, 1861; died at Memphis, Tenn., 
July 28, 1862. 

Frederick Miller enlisted from Crete, September 19, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Augustus Mowlden enlisted from West Wood, April 27, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George C. Merrick enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Perry McDaniel enlisted from Phoenix, March 17, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

George Mandler enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 



266 HISTORY OF THE 

Henry Martins enlisted from Chicago, February 27, 1865; absent,sick,at mus- 
ter out of regiment. 

Nicholas Myers enlisted from Chicago, January 28, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Charles Milhoilan enlisted from Shaumburg, January 4, 1$65; deserted 
October 3, 1865. 

John F. Mitzel enlisted January 1, 1864; died at Memphis, October 22, 1864, 

Peter Meyers enlisted from Chicago, March 14, 1865; died at Eastport, Miss. r 
June 12, 1865. 

John J. Neary enlisted from Chicago, October 18, 1861. 

John F. Neutzel enlisted from Chicago, February 1, 1862; died at Memphis, 
Tenn., October 26, 1864. 

Joseph Neadermiller enlisted from Chicago, February 20, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Daniel Pray enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; absent, sick, at muster 
out of regiment. 

John Paden enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

George Perry enlisted from Chicago, March 14, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James Porter enlisted from Chicago, March 9, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

John O. Parker enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Thomas J. Quails enlisted from Virden, January 25, 1864; deserted October 28, 
1864. 

Mathew Roper enlisted from Niles, February 23, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William Richter enlisted from Chicago, March 2, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Ernste N. Rencke enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Theodore Rober enlisted from Niles, February 23, 1865; mustered out June 
13, 1865; now living at Hanover, Kan. 

John Strittmatter enlisted from "Virden, October 1, 1861; mustered out Octo- 
ber 19, 1864; resides at Virden, 111. 

Henry H. Scribner enlisted from Chicago, February 19, 1862. 

Henry Sherrer enlisted from Areola, 111., March 22, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

John Stamna enlisted from Chicago, January 25, 1865; mustered out June 
22, 1865; residence Lockport, 111. 

Ray C. Smith enlisted from Pettys, February 18, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Ferdinand Shultz enlisted from Chicago, March 1, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Alexander Sinclair enlisted from Round Grove, 111., October 4, 1864; mus- 
. tered out October 24, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 267 

William Townsley enlisted from Phoenex, March 17, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Patrick Tierney enlisted from Chicago, November 30, 1864; mustered out 
June 3, 1865. 

John C. Weimer enlisted from Virden, 111., January 15, 1862; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out January 27, 1865. 

George W. Walker enlisted from Glascow, March 23, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Warrenholtz enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Johnson Wesley enlisted from Indian Creek, February 14. 1865, mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick Wentworth enlisted at Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Otto A. Willis enlisted from Bloom, January 23, 1865; promoted Hospital 
Steward. 

COMPANY E. 

Company E was recruited in the vicinity of Logansport, Ind. r 
and as they came to Colonel Brackett, expecting to go into the 
" First Western Cavalry," there was considerable dissatisfaction 
when it was learned that the regiment was to be known as an 
Illinois regiment, and designated the " Ninth Illinois Cavalry." 
This feeling of discontent becoming known to Colonel Brackett, 
he at once took prompt measures to squelch any overt act. 

Company E was formed in ranks and told by the Colonel, 
" All who were not satisfied to step two paces to the front." 
Two or three stepped out, and more were on the point of doing- 
so, when Colonel Brackett motioned to his guards and those who 
had come out were immediately arrested ami taken to the guard 
house, where they were confined for some time. This action of 
the Colonel in enforcing military authority had a wholesome 
effect, and nothing more was heard of the " First Western 
Cavalry." 

Ira E. Clifford was elected Captain; Richard D. Ellsworth, 
First Lieutenant; Benjamin O. Wilkinson, Second Lieutenant; 
these gentlemen having largely recruited the company, and hav- 
ing the confidence and respect of the men. The record of Com- 
pany E was a good one, and it was not long before they became 
quite reconciled to being associated with their Illinois comrades, 
and could always be relied upon to preform their full share of all 
the duties pertaining to good fighting soldiers. 



268 HISTORY OF THE 

The company mustered into the service October 3, 1861, with 
a total membership of eighty-three, quite a number of whom 
showed their appreciation and love of their old regiment by re- 
enlisting as veterans. 

The whole number of Company E during their more than 
four years' service was two hundred and four. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN ELLSWORTH. 

Richard D. Ellsworth joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry as First Lieutenant 
■of Company E, enlisting at Logansport, Ind., and was on active duty with the 
regiment in the Missouri and Arkansas campaigns. 

On the promotion of Captain Gilford to be Major he was commissioned 
Captain of his company, and remained with the regiment engaged in all the bat- 
ties, skirmishes, and scouts of the same up to October 31, 1864, when, his term 
of service having expired, he was mustered out. 

Captain Ellsworth was an excellent officer, brave and gallant, and a good 
disciplinarian. He enjoyed the esteem of -his brother officers and comrades. 

After his muster out he engaged in business in Wisconsin, and later removed 
farther west, and located at Raymond, Dak., his present address, 1888. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN PURVIANCE. 

Samuel Purviance enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 1, 1861, in 
Company E, of the Ninth, and was appointed Sergeant. 

January 3, 1863, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and again Decem- 
ber 12, 1864; First Lieutenant, March 28, 1865; was promoted Captain of the 
company he had been with so long, he having become a veteran, January 1, 1864, 
remaining with the Ninth on duty constantly until the final muster out of the 
Ninth at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865. 

Captain Purviance was a sturdy, brave and good soldier, having a strong 
physical constitution, he was able to bear with ease the toils and privations under 
which so many of our comrades gave way. He had the respect of all his com- 
rades. 

After the war he returned to his old home at Logansport, Ind., his address at 
this time, 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT WEIRICK. 

Spencer T. Weirick came from Loganspoit, Ind., and was appointed First 
Sergeant of Company E, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 1, 1861; was pro- 
moted August 21, 1862, to be Second Lieutenant, and again on the 3d of Janu- 
ary, 1863, was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company E, and served with 
the Ninth till the expiration of his three years' service, when he was mustered 
out, December 14, 1864. 

Lieutenant W r eirick was a bright, brave and excellent officer, and during his 
connection with the regiment, he made many friends by his soldierly qualities, 
and genial manners. 

He returned to Logansport after leaving the service, and his present address 
is believed to be the Soldiers' Home, at Dayton, Ohio, 1888. 




THDMAS W. EATON- 

Company E. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 269 1 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT WILKINSON. 

Benjamin O. "Wilkinson joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry as Second 
Lieutenant of Company E, October 3, 1861, from Logansport, Ind., but his 
health failing he resigned his commission, April 7, 1862. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT WILSON. 

Eugene C. Wilson enlisted in Company E, of the Ninth, February 23, 1865 r 
and was appointed Sergeant and then Second Lieutenant to date from December 
12, 1864, and was then commissioned First Lieutenant, March 28, 1865, remain- 
ing with the company till the final muster out of the regiment at Selma, Ala., 
October 31, 1865. 

Lieutenant Wilson was a pleasant young man, and much in earnest in all that 
pertained to military life; coming among us as he did the last year of the war, he 
had but little fighting to do, but he was no doubt equal to any demands that 
might have been made upon him. 

His address, May, 1888, is Clay Center, Kan. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT HANER. 

Charles M. Haner came from Wooster, Ohio, and enlisting in Company E, to- 
date from September 1, 1861, was made Sergeant. 

Re-enlisted as a veteran, he was made First Sergeant. February 29, 1864, and 
on the 28th of March, 1865, was commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company 
E, which position he filled with ability till the regiment was mustered out at 
Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865. 

Lieutenant Haner was an excellent soldier, always ready for duty, brave 
and reliable. He was in all the severe service and arduous campaigns in which 
his company was engaged, and was much esteemed by his associates in aims. 

Lieutenant Haner's address, April, 1888, is Pekin, 111. 

THOMAS W. EATON 

enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 1, 1861, in Company B, Ninth Illinois Cav- 
alry, and that company being full and running over he was transferred to Com- 
pany E, and mustered into the service October 3, 1861, and served his countrj' 
faithfully until October 31, 1865, he having re enlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864. 

Comrade Eaton was a brave, good soldier, and soon after the return of the 
regiment to Memphis, while on a scout with a detachment of the Ninth with 
General Sturgis, was taken prisoner by the enemy and after being confined some 
weeks by the rebels at Oxford, Miss., effected his escape, rejoining the regiment 
in an almost starved condition (having had no food for three days) at Memphis. 

When he returned to his company he has so unlike the rotund Eaton who 
had left them three weeks before that his comrades did not recognize him. He 
served with the regiment in all the battles, toils and hardships till the end of the 
war, and was mustered out at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865, after which he re- 
turned to his home in Henry County, and in 1871 moved to Chicago, where he 
followed his old trade as carpenter until 1878, when he engaged in the manufact- 
ure of machinery and engineering, and followed that branch successfully until 
the latter part of 1887, when he was placed as engineer in charge of Lake street 
bridge, Chicago, which position he still holds. 



270 HISTORY OF THE 

Comrade Eaton is an active, energetic business man, and is much respected 
and well known in the city of his adoption, Chicago, 111., which is his present 
address. 

PERRY B. BOWSER, 

from Logansport, Ind., enlisted in Company E, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Novem- 
ber 1, 1861, having previously served in the three months' service. 

He is a man of some literary ability and was one of the editors of The Cava- 
lier, at Jacksonport, in the spring of 1862, and wrote many graphic accounts of 
the doings of the army to the Northern papers. He has also written a book for 
publication entitled "Four Years in the Cavalry Service by a Corporal." 

He was discharged from the service for disability at Helena, Ark., July 17, 
1862. After recovering his health he again entered the service, and remained 
through the war. 

Of late years he has been located at Logansport, Ind., which was his old 
home, but has now made a change, and is living, June, 1888, at Elwood, Ind. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY E. 

Sergeant David A. Ewing enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 1, 1861; 
committed suicide at Germantown, Tenn., May 12, 1863. 

Corporal Lewis Vorhess enlisted from Logansport, September 1, 1861; dis- 
charged May 1, 1862. 

Corporal Isaac Graham enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 1, 1861. 

Corporal Pollard Herren enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 1, 1861. 

Corporal William Larimore enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 1, 
1861; promoted Sergeant; died at Andirsonville, August 16, 1864; grave 5906. 

Bugler JohnH. Masterson enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 1, 1861; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Martin Andress enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 1, 1861; discharged 
June 21, 1862. 

Joseph Allen enlisted September 1, 1861, from Logansport, Ind.; mustered 
out December 14, 1864. 

Cliarles A. Andress enlisted September 1, 1861; transferred to Company B. 

John O. Barron enlisted from Logansport, September 10, 1861; rejected De- 
cember 18, 1861. 

Charles N. Banks enlisted from Logansport, September 10, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31 , 1865. 

Jordan Berry enlisted from Logansport, September 10, 1861; died at Mem- 
phis, Tenn., March 4, 1864. 

Malcom G. Bliss enlisted from Monterey, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

William Banks enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mus- 
tered out November 1, 1864; promoted Wagoner. 

Joseph Barron enlisted from Logansport, September 10, 1861. 

Joseph Bower enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged April 3, 1862 

Zunas Bradley enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 14, 1864. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 271 

Alpheus Baxter enlisted from Geneseo, 111., September 10, 1861; died at 
Dennis, Mass., June 12, 1864. 

James Crosby enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; discharged 

April 4, 1862. 

John C. Cook enlisted from Lincoln Ind., September 10, 1861; rejected 
November 7, 1861. 

Thomas Chambers enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

John Cummins enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; dropped 

July 21, 1862. 

Edwin H. Chamberlain enlisted from Geneseo, 111., September 10, 1861; 
veteran; musterd out October 31, 1865; promoted Sergeant. 

John Conley enlisted October 2, 1861. 

James Douglas enlisted from Logansport, Ind.; September 10, 1861; veteran; 
promoted First Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John Detrick enlisted from Pennsylvania, September 10, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Patrick Dillon enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861 ; died at 
Germantown, Tenn., March 10, 1864. 

Charles W. Dunn enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out June 23, 1865; prisoner of war. 

Charles Davidson enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; died at 
Memphis, Tenn., March 18, 1864. 

Sanford F. Dorr enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 10, 1861; mustered out 
October 27, 1864. 

Thomas Flinn enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Thomas Faulkner enlisted September 10, 1861. 

John M. Fletcher enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 27, 1864; resides 2333 Wabash Ave., Chicago, 111. 

Owen Gillispie enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1S61; veteran; 
mustered out October 2, 1865. 

Edward Griffin enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out December 14, 1864. 

James Hurley enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; discharged 
October 28, 1862. 

'Francis M. Hinton enlisted at Logansport, September 10, 1861. 

Patrick J. Howard enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; died at 
Cohaba prison, Ala., March 28, 1864, while prisoner of war. 

Hubbard Hossel enlisted at Monterey, Ind., September 25,1861; mustered 
out October 1, 1864. 

George W. Hall enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 10, 1861; mustered out 
October 1, 1864; resides at Jupiter, Fla. 

Felix Hiner enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 10, 1861; mustered out Octo- 
ber 27, 1864. 

Jacob Loser enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out December 14, 1864. 

William D. Lyon enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out December 14, 1864. 



272 HISTORY OF THE 

Stephen R. Lavictoire enlisted at Logansport, Intl., September 10, 1861; mus- 
tered out October 6, 1864. 

George H. Lambert enlisted from State of New York, September 10, 1861; 
rejected December 18, 1861. 

Francis Mumphord enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mus- 
tered out November 25, 1864. 

William C. Marshall enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged July 17, 1862. 

James McCasken enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; discharged 
October 30, 1862. 

Harmon B. Moore enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged April 8, 1862; re-enlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864; deserted February 
1, 1865. 

Joseph My re enlisted at Kewanee, September 10, 1861; died at Helena, Ark., 
August 16, 1862. 

Thomas J. McClelland enlisted at Geneseo, September 10, 1861. 

Samuel Nicewender enlisted at Geneseo, 111., September 10, 1861. 

Daniel J. O'Meira enlisted at Chicago, October 2, 1861; died at Andersonville, 
October 3, 1864. Grave 10279. 

Harvey Parker enlisted at Wooster, Ohio, September 10, 1861; discharged 
for promotion February 29, 1863. 

Thomas Quinn enlisted at Logansport, September 10, 1861; veteran, died at 
Logansport, Ind., April 2, 1864. 

John Racus enlisted at Logansport, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
October 19, 1864. 

Jacob Reap enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; veteran, 
mustered out October 31, 1865, resides at Ponca, Neb. 

Michael Rober enlisted at Logansport, September 10, 1861; veteran, mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865; Soldiers' Home, Milwaukee. 

Joseph H. Smalley enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Martin L. Smith enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Ira M. Sweet enlisted at Logansport, September 10,1861; discharged Novem- 
ber 19, 1862. 

George L. Sturne enlisted at Logansport, September 10, 1861; discharged 
March 28, 1862. 

John M. Sturne enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 19, 1864. 

Reuben A. Scott enlisted Burnetsville, Ind., September 10, 1861; discharged 
April, 1864, for disability, resides at Abilene, Kan. 

John W. Smith enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company L. 

Philip Slick enlisted at Geneso, 111., September 10, 1861; died at Anderson- 
ville prison, October 11 1864; grave 10663. 

Augustus Streed enlisted Geneseo, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
December 14, 1864. 

Henry M. Thomas enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged October 8, 1862, 

George W. Tolliver enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mus- 
tered out October 27, 1864. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 273 

Harmon Taylor enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 25, 1861; died in 
Andersonville prison, September 29, 1864; grave 10036. 

Swan Tell enlisted from Geneseo, September 1, 1861. 

William C. Thomas enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Charles Whipp enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; died 
in Andersonvile prison, September 29, 1864; grave 8713. 

Frederick Weiley enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861: 
deserted November 20, 1861; monthly returns for April 1864 says died at Memphis, 
Tenn. 

Alfred Williams enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; veteran; 
died at Germantown, Tenn., September 4, 1864. 

James A. Wilkinson enlisted from Logansport, September 10, 1861; veteran 
promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; resides at Logansport, Ind. 

Samuel W. Wilson enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
mustered out November 28, 1864. 

Abraham W. Wells enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
promoted Corporal; mustered out December 14, 1864; now living atTopeka, Kan. 

Samuel Zellers enlisted from Cass county, Ind.; veteran; promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Peter Zerbe enlisted from Cass county, Ind., September 10, 1861; died in 
Jackson county, Ark., June 29, 1862, of wounds received June 21, 1862, at 
Stewart's Plantation. 

RECRUITS. 

Edward W. Anderson enlisted from Logansport, Ind., November 12, 1861; 
veteran; promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick Adrian enlisted from Chicago, 111., October 8, 1861; died in 
Andersonville prison September 9, 1864; grave 8219. 

Peter Adams enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Oliver Adle enlisted from Rockton, March 2, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

John Axtell enlisted at Genoa, February 28, 1865; mustered out June 13, 
1865. 

William Beatty enlisted at Logansport, October 5, 1861. 

James Birchfield enlisted at Logansport, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 27, 1864. 

Martin Bear enlisted at Chicago, January 23, 1862; veteran; missed in action; 
Savannah, Tenn., October 17, 1864. 

William H. Booth enlisted at Logansport, January 13, 1862; promoted Ser- 
geant; a veteran; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Sylvanus Brott enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Joseph Bentfield enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as blacksmith. 

Thomas Bascomb enlisted from Caledonia, Februaiy 8, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

18 



27*1 HISTORY OF THE 

Samuel Burroughs enlisted from Genoa, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Eliphalet G. Ball enlisted at Geneseo, 111., March 30, 1864: mustered out May 

30, 1865; prisoner of war; died at Chicago, 111., February, 1887. 

Edward Burger enlisted at Logansport, Ind., April 20, 1864; deserted Febru- 
ary 7, 1865. 

• Charles W. Cole enlisted from Bock Island, September 1,1861; died at Reeves- 
Station, Mo., April 14, 1862. 

Walter E. Crane enlisted from Logansport, April 1, 1862; promoted Ser- 
geant; mustered out April 10, 1865. 

Edward Collyer enlisted from Rockton, February 28, 1865; promoted Corpo- 
ral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

James A. Comstock enlisted from Riley, February 20, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; now living at Aurora, 111. 

William D. Carpenter enlisted from Mayfield, February 28, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

James M. Chamberlain enlisted from Genoa, February 28, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; now residing at Tecumseh, Neb. 

John Congle enlisted from Flora, January 18, 1865; mustered out October 

31, 1865. 

Henry Carter enlisted from Chicago, February 10, 1865; deserted April 19,. 
1865. 

James Countryman enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
June 13, 1865. 

John Deegan enlisted from Chicago, December 25, 1865; deserted February 
15, 1865. 

Jackson Djnio enlisted from Flora, January 18, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John Duffy enlisted from Caledonia, February 8, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Walter E. Drury enlisted from Avon, February 8, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

He had served nearly one year in the Ninety sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, 
Company G, and has been superintendent of schools of Burt County, Neb., and 
is a lawyer and banker residing at Pender, Neb. 

James Donaldson enlisted from Monroe, February 23, 1865, mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Oliver Dunwell enlisted from Cherry Valley, February 28, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

John Donley enlisted from Chicago, April 12, 1865; deserted October 23, 
1865. 

John T. Eabling enlisted from Fulton County, Iowa, January 29, 1862; vet- 
eran; promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Thomas Edsell enlisted from Cotton Hill, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Alfred Ellis enlisted from Hickory, March 13, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 275 

Sergeant William F. Foster enlisted from Logansport, Ind., September 10,. 
1861; veteran; discharged Jnue 28, 1865, for disability. 

Perry E. Fugate enlisted from Logansport, Ind., January 13, 1865; mustered! 
out February 15, 1865; resides at Attica, Ind. 

Charles L. Flower enlisted from Flora, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William Frett enlisted from McIIenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
June 10, 1865. 

Ralph H. Gould enlisted from Warren, January 18, 1865; mustered out. 
October 31, 1865. 

Silas Gray enlisted from Chicago, February 10, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address, Lake View, 111. 

George L. Gobble enlisted from Mayfield, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Charles G. Hedstrum enlisted from Victoria, February 1, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Charles H. Huffman enlisted from Warren, January 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Kenosha, Wis. 

Charles Hendrickson enlisted from Riley, February 6, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Horan enlisted from Caledonia, February 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31,1865. 

John P. Huner enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Hinsberger enlisted from Chicago, April 3, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber-31, 1865. 

George Hutchings enlisted from Chicago, April 4, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

William A. Hutchinson enlisted from Chicago, March 31, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Herman Heselman enlisted from Chicago, October 14, 1864; mustered out 
September 7, 1865. 

Michael Hays enlisted from Chicago, December 28, 1863; died at Nashville,. 
December 6, 1864 of wounds. 

Charles Hunt enlisted from Barrington, February 17, 1865; deserted Octo- 
ber 12, 1865. 

Benjamin Hudson enlisted from Chicago, April 3, 1865; deserted October 
15, 1865. 

Nathan D. Ingraham enlisted from Cortland, April 4, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Jefferson enlisted from Avon, February 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; lives at Vandalia, Mich. 

Joseph Jerru enlisted from St. Anne, March 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Napoleon Jerru enlisted from St. Anne, March 25, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Samuel W. Johnson enlisted at Chicago, March 31, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1265. 



276 HISTORY OF THE 

Mattliius Kehr enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out Oc- 
tober 81, 1865. 

Augustus Kottner enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

August Kolim enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Frederick Krichner enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 81, 1865. 

James Layton enlisted at Logansport, Ind., December 27, 1861; discharged 
July 17, 1862. 

James H. Lambert enlisted from Roscoe, February 8, 1865; mustered out Oc- 
tober 31, 1865. 

Silver Leach enlisted from Florence, March 9, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Phillip Lake enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Christian Loble enlisted February 13, 1865; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Samuel McClelland enlisted at Geneseo, 111., October 18, 1861; mustered out 
October 27, 1864. 

Thomas McCoy enlisted at Logansport, Ind., October 10, 1861; mustered out 
October 27, 1864. 

Thomas Martin enlisted at Toledo, Ohio, January 13, 1862; deserted August 
7, 1862. 

Malony P. Mattice enlisted from Fremont, February 11, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; now living at David City, Neb. 

John Mier enlisted at McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out Ootober 31, 
1865. 

Henry J. Moore enlisted at Chicago, April 12, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Harmen B. Moore enlisted from Rockton, February 28, 1865; deserted July 
19, 1865. 

Park C. Mullen enlisted from Mayfield, February 28, 1865; deserted July 19, 
1865. 

John Neep enlisted from Caledonia, February 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Peter Nieson enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Martin Nieson enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31. 1865. 

Stephen P. Newton enlisted at Chicago, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; at the close of the war returned to Chicago, and engaged in 
business as horse dealer and coal merchant; spent three years in Aurora, 111., 
where he owns property; now living a prosperous and respected citizen at 123 
N. Peoria street, Chicago. 

Leonidas Newberry enlisted from Cotton Hill, February 13, 1865; died at 
Eastport, Miss., April 19, 1865. 

Stephen L. Nichols enlisted from Mayfield, February 28, 1865, deserted July 
19, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 27T 

Gilman G. Newton enlisted from Chicago, February 13, 1865. On the way to 
the front he was severely injured in the head in a railway smash up, from the 
effect of which he became insane. He is now, August, 1888, an inmate of the 
asylum at Jefferson, 111. 

Lawrence O'Neil enlisted from Chicago, February 10, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. Now a resident of Chicago, 458 W. Indiana street. 

David Olin enlisted from Mayfleld, February 28, 1865; deserted July 19,. 
1865. 

Charles Phillips enlisted from Caledonia, February 8, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; present address, Wilmot, Wis. 

Francis Rose enlisted from Warren, January 18, 1865; promoted Corporal;, 
mustered out October 31, 1865; residence, Neillsville, Wis. 

Jacob Rothermel enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Joseph Riggs enlisted from Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Peter Rothermel enlisted from McHenr}, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
June 9, 1865. 

James Race enlisted from New Trier, January 17, 1865; died at Jeffersonville, 
Ind., March 28, 1865. 

William Shriner enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Peter Shriner enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 13, 1865. 

Nicholas Smith enlisted from McHenry. February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Smitt enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out October 
31. 1865. 

John Shoemaker enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31 , 1865. 

Ira M. Sweet enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Samuel Stroup enlisted from Boone, February 27, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Benjamin Swanke enlisted from Fancycreek, February 13, 1865; deserted 
July 19, 1865. 

Peter Siver deserted July 19, 1865. 

William T. Tibbitts enlisted from Caledonia, February 8, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; residence East Saginaw, Mich. 

Edwin Townsend enlisted from Mayfleld, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31,1865. 

Francis Townsend enlisted from Mayfleld, March 3, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James Turley enlisted from Cherry Valley, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John A. Tutor enlisted from Boone, February 27, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 



278 HISTORY OF THE 

George Thompson enlisted from Rockton, March 2, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Henry T. Tutor enlisted from Boone. February 27, 1865; mustered out June 
10, 1865. 

Samuel Wells enlisted from Boston, Mass., January 8, 1862; deserted Jan- 
uary 9, 1862, at Chicago. 

Ichabod Wells enlisted from Nunda, February 3, 1865; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

N. B. Wilson enlisted from Belvidere, February 17, 1865; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Anton Weber enlisted from McHenry, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry S. Works enlisted from Belvidere, February 13, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; residence Kasson, Minn. 

COMPANY F. 

Company F was mainly made up of Chicago men, having 
been recruited by Bernard F. Stampoffski, Marland L. Perkins 
and Dwight S. Heald, and came to camp in the early part of 
October, 1861. 

This company's first officers were the three gentlemen named 
above, but it was not long before several changes were made. 
Lieutenant Heald resigned November 7, and Captain Stampoff- 
ski was mustered out May 29, 1861, before the regiment had 
really seen any active service. Lieutenant Perkins was promoted 
Captain and Sergeant E. G. Butler, Second Lieutenant. 

This company was now certainly fortunate in the officers over 
them, and during the entire service showed themselves to be of 
the stuff that good soldiers were made of, always ready and anx- 
ious to come to the front and perform not only their duty but 
more than that. 

In the summer of 1862 the regiment had two twelve-pound 
brass howitzers assigned to their use, and as Lieutenant Butler 
had had experience in the regular army as an artillerist, a detail 
mostly from Company F was made, and these tw T o guns were 
placed in charge of Company, F, and later on in the service two 
more guns were assigned to the Ninth, and kept company with 
the first. 

Company F took great pride in their artillery, and would 
have felt their loss keenly had they ever been obliged to leave 
them in the hands of the enemy. In many a hard-fought battle, 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 279 

in many a gallant charge from the enemy, the brave men who 
manned these guns with their supporting companies performed 
deeds of heroic daring to save their " pets " from capture. 

. Company F mustered into service October 7, 1861, with a 
membership of ninety-four, total number enlisted during the war 
207, many of whom were veterans of Company F. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN STAMPOFFSKI. 

Bernard A. Stampoffski was an old resident of Chicago at the breaking out 
of the war. 

In the summer of 1861 he in company with others recruited a company of 
men from Chicago and vicinity, which afterward became a part of the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry, which w r as known as Company F. 

Captain Stampoffski had been a volunteer in the Louisiana Volunteers in 
the Florida "War, also served in the Second United States Dragoons in the Mex- 
ican War, and was at the battles of Palo Alto and Reseca de la Palma. 

He was a very strict disciplinarian, and the command " Wollensack to the 
rear, column march' was often heard with more of dread than pleasure by his 
company F. 

The Captain organized and diligently drilled his company, and remained 
with the regiment till May 29, 1802, when he was mustered out of the service, 
then returned to Chicago, 111., where he was engaged in business till his 
-death. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN PERKINS. 

Marland L. Perkins was born in Tazewell county, 111., May 31, 1838; attended 
•Jubille College in Peoria, and later read law with the firui of Barker & Hyatt, of 
Chicago. 

In the summer of 1861 he with his his fiery, impetuous and patriotic dispo- 
sition, was eager to join the ranks of the defenders of his country, and joined the 
Ninth Illinois, and was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company F, and in 
that capacity marched with the regiment to the front. On the resignations of 
Captain Stampoffski, May 29, 1862, he was promoted Captain of his company. 

Captain Perkins was one of the most brilliant officers of the regiment. A 
true soldier in his disposition and appearance, he was always ready and active 
for duty. He commanded his company almost constantly till the time of his 
muster out ; among his brother officers a very popular man, and in his company 
beloved by all. 

In the early daj's of 1863, at an election for a Majorship in the regiment, Cap- 
tain Perkins was almost unanimously elected by his brother officers to be Major, 
but as he was not the Senior Captain, another gentleman was the recipient of that 
honor. 

In all the prominent engagements that the regiment was in Captain Perkins 
was ever in the front, and was known as a gallant, brave and efficient officer. 

He was mustered out at the expiration of his time of service, October 16, 
1864, and locating in Memphis, Tenn., resumed the practice of the law continuing 



280 HISTORY OF THE 

there till 1871, when he returned to Chicago, where he was a successful lawj^er, 
and where he died September 12, 1877. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN NIEMEYER. 

Frederick C. Niemeyer enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Company F, 
September 3, 1861, and re-enlisted as a veteran, and was promoted Sergeant, 
January 1, 1864, and June 20 was again promoted to be Second Lieutenant, and 
again on the 16th of October, 1864, was promoted and commissioned Captain of 
Company F, with whom he had served well and faithfully all these years. 

He was a brave and faithful soldier, and gained the affection and respect of his 
comrades, and the officers of the regiment. 

In the Shoal Creek campaign he was active and gallant and showed in the 
management of his company good military ability, and in the front that he was 
a brave and skillful officer. He was with the regiment for over four years, always 
prompt, brave and efficient in all the battles and engagements in which his- 
company took part. 

He died while in the service at Tuscaloosa, Ala., September 21, 1865. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT BUTLER. 

Erastus G. Butler enlisted in Company F, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 
11, 1861, and was appointed Sergeant, and on the resignation of Lieutenant 
Heald was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and again promoted to be First 
Lieutenant of his company, May 29, 1862. 

Lieutenant Butler had served in the United States army in Mexico in Com- 
pany E, Third United States Artillery under Captain Sherman, and was at the 
battles of Monterey and Buena Vista, and the experience gained in that service 
was very useful when, September 15, 1862, there was placed with the Ninth a 
small battery of howitzers, which were assigned to Lieutenant Butler and a 
detail under his charge. 

Lieutenant Butler was a good soldier, brave and faithful, and performed 
most excellent service with the regiment during the period of his service. 

He resigned May 22, 1864, and returned to Chicago, his old home, later went 
South, where it is understood he died several years ago. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT HEALD. 

Dwight S. Heald joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, October 7, 1861, was 
commissioned Second Lieutenant of Company F, but remained with the regiment 
but a short time, resigning November 7, 1861, on account of ill health and died 
soon after. 

LIEUTENANT JAMES SMITH. 

James Smith joined the regiment September 23, 1861 ; was First Sergeant, 
and was made Second Lieutenant May 29, 1862, but did not remain with the regi- 
ment long as he resigned his commission September 4, 1862. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT PULLMAN. 

Charles L. Pullman enlisted in Company F, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Septem- 
ber 16, 1861, re-enlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864, and was appointed First 
Sergeant of his company. 





LIEUTENANT CHAS, L, PULLMAN, 



Company F. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 281 

May 22, 1864, lie was commissioned to be First Lieutenant of Company F, and 
remained with the regiment until February 28, 1865, when he resigned his com- 
mission, and returned to his home in Chicago. 

Lieutenant Pullman is a man of unusual ability, and while a member of 
Company F he was detailed at headquarters, where he was kept employed, and 
his fine penmanship and general business qualifications were constantly in de- 
mand. 

Acting as Sergeant-Major a part of the time, and again as Adjutant, or on 
some sort of staff duty, he was equal to anything that might be required at his 
hands. At C'ollierville, Tenn., December 25, 1863, he led what seemed a forlorn 
hope with a few camp guards and convalescents from the hospital against For- 
rest's cavalry, who were just returning from their invasion of Tennesee, and 
which was moving down from La Fayette, threatening our camp at the first men- 
tioned place. No doubt the presence of Mrs. Pullman in camp had much to do 
with the heroic defense made by this gallant little band, after Mrs. Pullman had 
been placed in comparative safety within the fort. 

During the battle of Nashville, Lieutenant Pullman was on staff duty with 
General Hatch and active and brave as was his wont. 

Since the war he has been identified with his brother, Geo. M. Pullman, in 
the large business carried on in Pullman and Chicago, and can be found most 
every day at the "Pullman Building," Chicago, the same genial hale comrade 
as of yore. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT JERGENS. 

Christopher H. Jergens enlisted in Company F, September 28, 1861, re- 
enlisted as a veteran, January 1, 1864, and was promoted Sergeant and again 
promoted and commisioned First Lieutenant, February 18, 1865, and was mus- 
tered out of the service at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865. 

Lieutenant Jergens served with his company the full term of the war, and 
was in all the engagements that Company F participated in, and was a good 
soldier and an efficient officer. 

His address is unknown. 

SKETCH OF L EUTENANT BOONE. 

Geo. H. Boone enlisted in Company F, September 10, 1861, was appointed 
Corporal, First Sergeant, and on the 4th of September, 1862, he was commis" 
sioned Second Lieutenant in his company, remaining on active duty until June 
20, 1864, when he resigned. 

Lieutenant Boone was a thoroughly brave and gallant soldier, and a part of 
the time in charge of the brass twelve pounders displayed excellent qualities as 
as artillerist and a competent and brave officer. His residence is now in Chicago, 
111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT HILL. 

Henry F. Hill enlisted in Company F, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, January 15, 1862, 
at Chicago; re-enlisted as a veteran January 19, 1864, and was appointed to a 
sergeantcy, then First Sergeant, and later, March 28, 1865, he was commisioned 
to be Second Lieutenant. 



282 HISTORY OF THE 

He was in all the battles and engagements with his company, and ever proved 
himself equal to the occasion as a man cool, brave and determined to do his 
duty. 

Lieutenant Hill was mustered out at Selrna, Ala., October 31, 1865; and later 
settled in Memphis, Tenn., which is believed to be his present address, 1888. 

F. J. MAGEE. 

enlisted at Algonquin, 111., January 31, 1865, in Company F, of the Ninth, and 
remained on duty as a good soldier always anxious for service until the final 
muster out of the regiment October 31, 1865, at Selma, Ala. 

After his return home Comrade Magee remained on the old farm until the 
fall of 1867, when he attended Ames' National Business College at Syracuse, N. 
Y., and graduated in the spring of 1868. 

He was soon after married to Miss A. P. Hayes, of Cazenovia, N. T. Return- 
ing to Illinois both taught school until the spring of 1870, when he removed to 
Yankton, Dak., and engaged in contracting and building until the 
fall of 1879; he then commenced attending lectures in the Hahnemann Medical 
College and Hospital of Chicago, where he graduated in 1881. Prior to attending 
college he had been reading medicine for several years, since which time he has 
been actively engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery. 

After spending some time in the South he located in Santa Clara, Cal., 
in the spring of 1887; where he has already built up a good practice and is one of 
the leading men in his profession in that country. 

His address, June, 1888, is Santa Clara, Cal. 

E. P. OTT 

enlisted September 29, 1861, at Chicago, 111., in Company F, Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry as Bugler, and on the 1st of January, 1864, re-enlisted in the 
veteran organization, serving till the end of the war as a faithful, brave and 
true soldier, when he was mustered out as Sergeant of his cympany at Selma, 
Ala., October 31, 1865. 

He emigrated to Kansas in 1877, and engaged in farming, and later engrged 
in the real estate business, and in 1882, was appointed " Local Land Agent of the 
Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad," which position he still holds at Kinsley, 
Kan. 

Comrade Ott has always been an honest industrious man, respected wherever 
known, and has met with fair success in life. 

He is genial and hearty in manner and speech, and now resides in Kinsley, 
Kan. 

MALACHI SALTER 

enlisted in Company F, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 25, 1861, at 
Chicago; re-enlisted January 1, 1864, and was appointed Corporal, and 
again promoted to be Sergeant of his company, and was mustered out at Selma, 
Ala., October 31, 1865. 

Comrade Salter was a faithful, good soldier, who served his country well dur- 
ing the whole war, he was a thorough patriot and had an honest pride in doing 
his part to uphold the flag and maintain the government of the United States. He 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 283 

received a wound in the arm, and lost one son in the army, John F. Salter, who 
died at Camp Douglas, February 7, 1862. 

After the close of his service he removed to Sedalia, Mo. , where he lost his 
wife in 1871. He has many ups and downs in life, and is now living with his 
fourth wife, a cheerful, happy old man nearly eighty years of age, at Clay Centre, 
Kan. 

The thanks of the Historian are cordially given Comrade Salter for the use of 
his diary and valuable papers. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY F. 

Sergeant James Donahue enlisted from Chicago, September 17, 1861; trans- 
ferred to Company M; re-transferred back to Company F, and then deserted. 

Sergeant Chauncy D. Thomas enlisted at Chicago, September 11, 1861; died 
at Helena, Ark., September 26, 1862. 

Corporal Peter Pfeifer enlisted from Chicago, September 3, 1861; promoted 
Sergeant; died at Helena, Ark., July, 1862. 

Corporal Henry C. Bostwick enlisted from DuPage, September 7, 1861; pro- 
moted Sergeant; discharged September 30, 1862. 

Corporal Henry E. Burbank enlisted from Chicago, September 21, 1861; 
mustered out December 9, 1864; residence, 142 Lewis street, Chicago. 

Andrew P. Robinson enlisted from Chicago, September 15, 1861; promoted 
Bugler. 

Christopher Sommers enlisted from Chicago, September 23, 1861; promoted 
Farrier; deserted August 18, 1862. 

Mathew Abbott enlisted from Chicago, September 17, 1861; transferred to 
Company M. 

John Austin enlisted from Chicago, October 2, 1861; veteran; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Hugh Beveridge enlisted from Chicago, October 2, 1861; discharged April 
5, 1862. 

Jacob Baker enlisted from Chicago, September 19, 1861; died at Helena, 
Ark., September 25, 1862. 

Henry Bohle enlisted at Chicago, September 21, 1861. 

John Bieler enlisted at Chicago, September 28, 1861; died at St. Louis, Mo., 
November 3, 1862. 

Isaac Brenner enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; transferred to Company M. 

James S. Berry enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; died. at St. Louis, Mo., 
November 3, 1862. 

Henry H. Brown enlisted at Chicago, September 7, 1861; discharged Febru- 
ary 6, 1862. 

James M. Brown enlisted at Chicago, September 7, 1861. 

Jacob Barry enlisted at Logansport, Ind., October 7, 1861; rejected December 
5, 1861. 

Thomas B. Batters enlisted at Chicago, September 27, 1861; discharged April 
-5, 1862. 

William H. Bowden enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; died at Anderson- 
ville prison, August 13, 1864; grave 5475. 



284 HISTORY OF THE 

Ransford Calhoun enlisted at Chicago, September 11, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

John H. Carpenter enlisted at Chicago, September 17, 1861; transferred to 
Company L. 

Patrick Casey enlisted at Chicago, September 17, 1861; 

Charles Chranck enlisted at Chicago, September 30, 1861; mustered out Octo- 
ber 27, 1864. 

Marcellus J. Covell enlisted at Chicago, September 16, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted First, Sergeant; killed at Campbellville, Tenn., November 24, 1864. 

Andrew Dyon enlisted at Chicago, September 21, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31 . 1865. 

George A. England enlisted September 13, 1861. 

William Fletcher enlisted at Chicago, September 17, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; promoted Corporal; resides at 805 Carroll avenue, Chicago. 

Jerry Gay enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; veteran; promoted Farrier; 
mustered out October 31, 1865; residence, Fremont, Neb. 

Wdliam F. Gibbons enlisted September 21, 1861; transferred to Company M. 

Michael Gillen enlisted at Chicago, September 17, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out November 2, 1865; see Company M. 

John Gillenvister enlisted September 30, 1861 . 

Herman Hagadorn enlisted at Chicago, September 22, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Jacob Hamilton enlisted at Chicago., September 14, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Farrier; died at Memphis, Tenn., June 14, 1864. 

John Hamilton enlisted at Chicago, September 14, 1861 ; died at Helena, Ark., 
November 26, 1862. 

James Hurr enlisted at Chicago, September 16, 1861; deserted February 18,. 
1862. 

James Hogan enlisted at Chicago, October 1, 1861; rejected November 5, 
1861. 

Henry C. Krouse enlisted at Chicago, September 25, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as a veteran. 

William C. Lennox enlisted at Chicago, September 12, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

William Lattage enlisted at Chicago, September 20, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1861, as Corporal; resides at Newark, N. J. 

James Munix enlisted from Chicago, September 18, 1861. 

Michal Marshal enlisted September 13, 1861, from Chicago; died near Clar- 
endon, Ark., July 11, 1864. 

Frederick Meyer enlisted September 28, 1861, from Chicago; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Scotia, Neb. 

Herman H. Meyer enlisted from Chicago, October 7, 1861; promoted Corpo- 
ral; died at Helena, Ark., October 1, 1862. 

William Meyer enlisted from Chicago, October 7, 1861; veteran; mustered 
our October 31, 1865. 

Thos. 0. Maddy eulisted from Chicago, September 27, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 285 

Frederick Morty enlisted from Chicago, September 17, 1861; deserted Decem- 
ber 19, 1861. 

Levi Maule enlisted from Chicago, September 5, 1^61 ; veteran; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Cuba, Mo. 

Richard McCutchen enlisted September 13, 1861; promoted Sergeant; see 
Company M. 

Duncan McLaven enlisted from Chicago, October 4, 1861. 
Henry E. McCay enlisted from Chicago, October 7, 1861. 
John Morgan enlisted September 27, 1861. 

John Miller enlisted from Chicago; promoted Corporal; deserted August 18, 
1862. 

Charles Mitchell enlisted from Chicago, September 12, 1861; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out December 9, 1861. 

Thomas O'Brine enlisted at Chicago, September 3, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Daniel Ott enlisted at Chicago, September 10, 1861; veteran; killed at Camp- 
bellville, Tenn., November 24, 1864. 

David Ott enlisted September 12, 1861. at Chicago; died at St. Louis, Mo., 
November 26, 1862. 

Charles Rose enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company H. 
James Racine enlisted at Chicago, September 22, 1861. 

Jacob Roth enlisted at Chicago, October 2, 1861; veteran; killed at Hurri- 
cane Creek, August 13, 1864. 

Jacob Rudolph enlisted at Chicago, September 20, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Saddler Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; now at Milford, Kan. 
John Rapp enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861. 
Gustavus Rodgers enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861. 
Alden E. Soule enlisted at Chicago, October 12, 1861; veteran; promoted 
First Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Peter I. Smith enlisted October 7, 1861, at Chicago; deserted April 8, 1862. 
Gottlieb Salter enlisted at Chicago, September 28, 1861. 
Chris. Schlothaver enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861. 
Christopher Siebert enlisted at Chicago, September 26, 1862, veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; returned to Chicago and has 
been a very efficient officer in the City Police of Chicago for many years; his resi- 
dence, 112 Lewis street, Chicago. 

W. A. Snyder enlisted at Chicago, September 12, 1861. 

William Sunderland enlisted at Chicago, September 12, 1861; resides Clay 
Center, Kan. 

Lewis Sand enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; veteran; promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out October 31, 1865; now a resident of Sharon, 111. 
Edward Scheffer enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861. 
Mathias Scient enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861. 

Thomas H. Thatcher enlisted from Wilmington, October 7, 1861; rejected 
December 5, 1861. 

Charles G. Tinker enlisted at Chicago; was transferred to Company H. 
Peter Turner enlisted at Chicago, September 22, 1861; deserted August 18, 
1862. 



286 HISTORY OF THE 

Frederick Vickman enlisted at Chicago, September 22. 1861; veteran; died 
at Jefferson Barracks, January 28, 1865. of wounds. 

William R. Wilder enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; promoted Bugler; a 
veteran; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

William S. Wilson enlisted September 25, 1861. 

Joseph Wehargan enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861. 

Charles E. Wollensack enlisted at Chicago, September 14, 1861; died at 
Helena, Ark., July 15, 1862. 

Joseph Wolf enlisted at Chicago, September 16, 1861; died at Eastport, Miss., 
February 28, 1865. 

RECRUITS. 

Rinhart Alberts enlisted at Chicago, November 5, 1861; died at Helena, Ark., 
September 28, 1861 . 

Martin Anderson enlisted at Onarga, 111., September 16, 1862; mustered out 
September 15, 1865. 

Phillip Arnett enlisted at Portland, April 27, 1864; mustered out May 26, 
1865; residence, Spring Hill, 111. 

John Beagel enlisted from Portland, October 10, 1864; mustered out October 
13, 1865. 

Thomas Bowers enlisted from Waponsie, March 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Robert Bevard enlisted from Vienna, March 15, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Henry Bohle enlisted at Barrington, September 17, 1864; mustered out June 
17, 1865. 

Henry Behrens enlisted from Proviso, 111., September 27, 1864; mustered out 
June 17, 18,65. 

John Behers' enlisted from Chicago, January 23, 1864; died at Selma, Ala., 
October 25, 1865. 

Henry C. Bohlen enlisted from Chicago, December 19, 1864; deserted October 
27, 1865. 

Frederick Cruse enlisted at Chicago, October 24, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John H. Clark enlisted from State of Arkansas, June 15, 1862; mustered out 
June 17, 1865. 

Jacob Collins enlisted from Chicago, January 28, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865, as Wagoner. 

Lewis L. Chandler enlisted from Algonquin, January 31, 1865; mubtered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William H. Cunningham enlisted from Lemont, March 28, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Isaac Coles enlisted from Harlem, February 23, 1864; mustered out June 12, 
1865. 

John H. Dascher enlisted from Chicago, January 27, 1862; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as corporal. 

Jacob Dester enlisted from Chicago, April 7, 1865; mustered out October 31_ 
1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 287 

John Dyer enlisted from Chicago, January 27, 1864. 

John Everett enlisted from Chicago, January 18, 1862. 

French Eisenwright enlisted from Chicago, June 29, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George W. Evans enlisted from Algonquin, January 31, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry Endslby enlisted from Vienna, March 15, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Henry Ferre enlisted from Chicago, February 17, 1862; deserted February 
19, 1862. 

Eugene K. French enlisted from Chicago, March 14, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Aaron B. Fry enlisted from Chicago, March 14. 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Otto Flore enlisted from Chicago, April 11,1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Charles M. Fitzgerald enlisted from Chicago, September 24, 1864; mustered 
out June 17, 1865. 

Benjamin IV. Goble enlisted from Chicago, September 14, 1861; deserted 
February 19, 1862. 

J. Granger (or Gauger) enlisted from Chicago, September 28, 1864; mus- 
tered out June 17, 1865. 

John A. Gregory enlisted from Chicago, October 4, 1864; mustered out 
October 3, 1865. 

Robert Hawley enlisted from Chicago, October 16, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

John Hilgren enlisted from Detroit, Mich., January 9, 1862; deserted Jan- 
uary 18, 1862. 

Howard Henderson enlisted from Patterson, Mo., May 28, 1862; discharged 
May 24, 1865. 

Thomas Harrelson enlisted from Arkansas, June 10, 1862; deserted August 
18, 1862. 

Hiram Hicks enlisted from Arkansas, July 18, 1862; died at St. Louis, Mo.,. 
October 22, 1862. 

James Hepson enlisted; deserted January 1, 1862. 

Frederick Hiderman enlisted from Chicago, January 22, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Robert Harrington enlisted from Chicago, October 10, 1864; mustered out 
October 9, 1865. 

Nils Harrison enlisted October 17, 1864, at Chicago; mustered out October 
16, 1865. 

William G. Harrison enlisted at Chicago, October 17, 1864; absent, sick, at 
muster out of regiment. 

Christopher Handly enlisted at Chicago; veteran; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Oscar A. Hill enlisted at Aux Sable, January 28, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 



288 HISTORY OF THE 

Phillip Hess enlisted at Monee, October 7, 1864; mustered out October 6, 
1865. 

John A. Houghtaling enlisted from Algonquin, January 31, 1865; died at 
Montgomery, Ala., August 14, 1865. 

John W. Halstead enlisted at Kewanee, February 6, 1864. 

Frances Kelean enlisted at Chicago, November 30, 1861; veteran; died at 
Demopolis, Ala., October 27, 1865. 

Adolph Knittel enlisted at Chicago, January 26, 1864; absent, sick, at muster 
out of regiment, 

August Klinsmith enlisted at Chicago, March 30, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Conrad Kruckenburg enlisted from Monee, October 10, 1864; mustered out 
October 9, 1865. 

Daniel Kelvery enlisted from Vienna, March 15, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Austin Kine enlisted at Chicago, February 22, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

George Knapp enlisted at Chicago, April 4, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Robert Kasler (or Hasten) enlisted at Chicago, March 23, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1862. 

Fredrick Kinbaum enlisted from Niles, March 30, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Joseph K. Kelley enlisted from Algonquin, January 31, 1865; discharged 
May 28, 1865, for disability. 

Louis Knittel enlisted at Chicago, January 22, 1863; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Fredrick Loring enlisted at Chicago, November 28, 1861; discharged March 
18, 1862. 

Alexander Leslie enlisted at Chicago, December 26, 1861; mustered out De- 
cember 30, 1864. 

L. W. Lincoln enlisted at Chicago; veteran; mustered out October 31, 1865; 
returned to Chicago, where he has been in business for many years; his address 
August, 18 w 8, is 192 W. Jackson street. 

Frank La Bass enlisted from Lawrence County, Ark., June 10, 1862; dis- 
charged August 15, 1862, for disability. 

Henry Lieder enlisted at Chicago, March 30, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Felix Mondziewski enlisted at Chicago, November 28,1861; deserted June 
20, 1864. 

William Mitchell enlisted at Chicago, November 8, 1861. 

John Mohe enlisted at Chicago, April 4, 1865; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

David L. Mossman enlisted at Chicago, March 14, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Garrett H. Merritt enlisted at Chicago, March 14, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; residence, Gillman, 111. 

Robert G. McClure enlisted June 10, 1863; mustered out October 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 289 

Thomas McDowell enlisted at Chicago, March 25, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
bes 31, 1865. 

John Miller enlisted from Chicago, October 10, 1864; mustered out October 
9,1865; at this time, 1888, on the city police force; residence, 121 Fry street, 
Chicago. 

Dennis Markley enlisted from Chicago, March 25, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Nicholas Miller enlisted from Chicago, January 27, 1864; discharged July 
24, 1865, for disability. 

Christian Meyer enlisted from Chicago; veteran; promoted Corporal; mus 
tered out October 31, 1865; residence at Dodge City, Kan. 

William Nelson enlisted. 

William C. Pullen enlisted from Arkansas; transferred to Company K. 

Martin Pickett enlisted from Chicago, January 23, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

George A. Pratt enlisted from Chicago, October 17, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 16, 1865. 

Reuben Pulley enlisted from Vienna, March 15, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John Pihinse enlisted. 

Clemens Reineke enlisted from Chicago, October 15,1861; died at Patterson, 
Mo., May 17, 1862. 

Peter D. Ross enlisted from Chicago, January 9, 1862; veteran; absent, sick, 
at muster out of regiment; now a resident of Hampton, Neb. 

Morton Raymond enlisted from Michigan, February 18, 1862; discharged as 
minor March 1, 1862. 

John Ruitze (or Rltz) enlisted at Chicago, January 26, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Charles Reminger enlisted at Chicago, February 1, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Raush enlisted from Mascoutah, February 19, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William Rube enlisted from Will, October 10, 1864; mustered out October 
9, 1865. 

Robert Reynoldson enlisted at Chicago, October 4, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 3, 1865. 

John F. Salter enlisted at Chicago, October 16, 1861; died at Camp Douglas, 
111., February 7, 1862. 

Henry Smith enlisted at Chicago, February 1, 1862; veteran; promoted Sad- 
dler-Sergeant; died at Eastport, Miss., February 28, 1865. 

George Schmid enlisted at Chicago, February 15, 1862; promoted Corporal; 
died at Cairo, 111., October 1, 1862. 

Charles Shikor enlisted at Chicago, January 12, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles A. Smith enlisted from Hanover, December 23, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; now a resident of Chicago, at 971 Van Buren street. 

19 



290 HISTORY OF THE 

Wesley Sherman enlisted at Chicago, March 5, 1864; mustered out October 

31, 1865. 

John Shroder enlisted from Bloom, October 4, 1864; mustered out October 

31, 1865. 

Phillip Sand enlisted from Phoenix, October 6, 1864; died at Eastport, Miss. 
June 20, 1865. 

Henry B. Thompson enlisted from Seneca, January 30, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Tapley enlisted from Harlem, February 23, 1864; died at Tuscaloosa, 
Ala. , September 7, 1865. 

William Wilsom (or Wilson) enlisted at Chicago, January 27, 1864; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

John Weaver enlisted at Chicago, January 16, 1862; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William Worth enlisted from Edgington, October 13, 1864; absent, sick, at 
muster-out of regiment. 

Judson R. Warner enlisted from Vienna, October 15, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William H. Williams enlisted from Algonquin, February 11, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

William A. Williams enlisted at Chicago, December 19, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Wuller. 

Isral Zimmer enlisted at Chicago, January 21, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Gotleib Zervick enlisted from Elk Grove, January 21, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Joseph Zimmerman enlisted from Provisa, 111., September 28, 1864; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

COMPANY G. 

Company G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, was recruited 
partly at Valparaiso, Ind., by Henry M. Buel and Bobert H. Hen- 
derson, and at La Porte, Ind., by Henry A. Huntington, 
then came to Chicago about the middle of September, 1861, and 
Henry M. Buel was elected Captain, John E. "Warner First Lieu- 
tenant, and Henry A. Huntington Second Lieutenant. 

They mustered into the service October 9, 1861. The circum- 
stances of this company were similar to those of Company E, 
and they expected to go into the "First Western Cavalry/' but 
this feeling of discontent did not lest long; the men soon frater- 
nized with the Illinois boys, and during the whole term of their 
service these two Indiania Companies did their full share of the 
fighting and upheld the honor of the regiment, and had as much 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 291 

pride in the fair fame of the Ninth Illinois. Cavalry as did our 
Illinois boys. 

A large number became veterans in the new organization in 
March, 1864. 

The rank and file of this company were reliable men to per- 
form all duties assigned to them in a manner that showed their 
interest in the service, and a determination to do whatever they 
did , it in a soldierly manner. 

Original muster in of men, eighty-eight; total during service, 
two hundred and eleven. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN BUEL. 

Henry M. Buel, Captain of Company G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, was early 
in the field recruiting a part of his Company at Valparaiso, Ind., and came to 
Chicago with his men about the middle of September, 1861, expecting to join 
Colonel Brackett's regiment of " First Western Cavalry," but when it was found 
that it was to be an Illinois regiment, he gracefully accepted the situation, and 
was mustered in with his Company October 9, 1861. 

Captain Buel was a faithful soldier and long in command of Company G, 
and at times commanding a battalion; was a man ever ready and anxious to do 
his duty. In some of the expeditions in Arksasas he was assigned a prominent 
place, and after the regiment moved into Tennessee in 1863, he was in command 
of a battalion that encountered the rebel General Forrest's troops, defeating them 
on the Coldwater. 

The Captain was constantly on duty with the regiment during his term of 
service, and at Scnatobia, Salem and Moscow, with many otherplaces, did effect- 
ive and good service for the cause against the Confederate troops, and on the 
famous West Point expedition in February, 1864, Captain Buel with his battalion 
was the first to march into West Point, and drove the rebels from the town. 

Captain Buel was a man kindly in speech and manner, and, by his honest 
fidelity to duty and promptness in all matters under his care, gained the esteem 
of many in the regiment . 

He was mustered out at the expiration of his term of service, returning to 
his old home at Valparaiso, Ind., his present address, 1888. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN VORE. 

Harrison C. Vore enlisted in the Eleventh Illinois Infantry in April, 1861, in 
the three months' service and was appointed Captain of Company E, re enlisted 
and was commissioned First Lieutenant of the same company, and was in com- 
mand of his company at the battle of Fort Donelson, February, 1862; was wounded 
and taken prisoner, and was kept at Nashville, Tenn., until the surrender of the 
city; later returning to his regiment was promoted Captain of Company B, serv- 
ing through the Vicksburg campaign, and was mustered out in 1864. 

In the spring of 1865 he joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, bringing in a 
number of recruits which were assigned to Company G, and was made Captain 



* 



292 HISTORY OF THE 

of the Company, marched with Major McMannis to Tuscombia, where he was 
appointed Provost Marshal, and moved with the regiment to Montgomery, Ala., 
where he was detailed by Maj.-Gen. Charles R. Woods to administer the 
oath of amnesty, was mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Removed to " What Cheer, Iowa," where he has been a successful merchant 
for many j r ears and which is his present address. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT ROBERTS. 

Sidney O. Roberts enlisted from Du Page, October 12, 1861, and joining Com- 
pany G, was promoted to be Second Lieutenant October 21, 1862 and again com- 
missioned First Lieutenant, November 25, 1862, remaining with the regiment 
until the close of the war, when he resigned, his resignation being accepted May 
1, 1865. 

Lieutenant Roberts was a brave and gallant officer, and was in command of 
his own Company, G, a considerable part of the time, and was also often assigned 
to take charge of other companies in the regiment during the temporary absence 
of their company officers. He was also on staff duty for some time, and was a 
soldier of good judgment, capable and brave. 

Since he left the service he spent some time in the South, but finally returned 
to his first love, and is now a large and substantial stock farmer at Thawville, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT VAN DOLSEN. 

Ennis Van Dolsen, from Valparaiso, Ind., enlisted September 10, 1861, and 
joined his fortunes with Company G, and was appointed Sergeant October 9, 
1861; was promoted to be Second Lieutenant November 25, 1862, served with his 
company until the expiration of his three years of service, when he was mustered 
out. 

Lieutenant Van Dolsen was an earnest man, always ready and active in the 
discharge of any duty assigned him. He gained the respect of his comrades. 

In the late years he, too, has drifted to the Southwest, and his home is now, 
1888, in Clay Center, Kansas. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT RINKER. 

James Henry Rinker enlisted from Tassinong, Ind., November 20, 1861; re- 
enlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864; appointed First Sergeant, and commis- 
sioned Second Lieutenant of his Company, G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, June 6, 1865. 

Lieutenant Rinker served well and faithfully during the more than four years 
he was with the regiment, and in the various positions in which he was placed 
proved himself to be a good soldier, and received a severe wound in the right 
thigh and left foot at Pontotoc, Miss. , July 12, 1864. 

He mustered out at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865, and is mrw living in 
Alpha, Mo. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT WARNER, 

John E. Warner enlisted from Valparaiso, Ind., October 9, 1861, and was 
commissioned First Lieutenant of Company G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and served 
with the regiment during the Missouri and Arkansas campaigns until September 
9, 1862, when he received his dismissal from the service. 



NINTII ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 293 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT BROWN. 

Azra F. Brown enlisted September 10, 1861, at Valparaiso, Ind., and in the 
muster in of Company G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, he was appointed First Sergeant, 
and was promoted to be Second Lieutenant November 9th, following, serving 
with his company in the campaigns in Missouri and Arkansas till the fall of 1862, 
when he tendered his resignation, which was accepted October 21, 1862, after 
which he returned to his home, and later removed to Chicago, where he has 
been in the employ of the city for many years, esteemed and respected by all who 
know him, his address now being Chicago, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT HUNTINGTON. 

Henry A. Huntington enlisted at Valparaiso, Ind., and was commissioned 
Second Lieutenant of Company G Ninth Illinois Cavalry, October 9, 1861, but 
did not remain with us long, as he was soon thereafter transferred to the regular 
army, in which he attained the rank of Major. 

On leaving the service Major Huntington returned to Chicago, and later took 
his departure for foreign shores, and is now, 1888, living in Paris, France. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT REED. 

Geo. B. Reed enlisted September 10, 1861, at Lowell, Ind., and re-enlisted 
as a veteran, July 1, 1864, was promoted First Sergeant and commissioned Second 
Lieutenant, March 28, 1865, and remained in the service until October 31, 1865, 
when the regiment was mustered out at Selma, Ala. 

Lieutenant Reed was with his company all through the service, and in all the 
engagements of the same, a good soldier, attentive to duty, and ever ready for 
the fray. 

Since the war he has drifted to the North, and his present address is Jordan, 
Minn 

William Rinker enlisted at Tassinong, Ind., September 10, 1861, and was 
promoted Corporal of his Company, G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, serving with them 
as a brave and faithful soldier in the battles and skirmishes of the Ninth till De- 
cember 4, 1863, when he was captured by Forrest's cavalry, and taken as a pris- 
oner to Cahaba, Andersonville, Charleston and Florence, and after much inhuman 
treatment he was exchanged about the 15th of December, 1864, and was sent to 
Annapolis, Md., and from there to Chicago, where he was discharged, May 15, 
1865. 

Since the war Comrade Rinker returned to his old home at Tassinong, Ind., 
which is his present address. 

Stewart J. Bailey, Sergeant of Company G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, enlisted 
from Marshall County, Ind., September 10, 1861, and served as one of the best 
soldiers of the Ninth until the expiration of his term of service, October 27, 1864, 
when he was mustered out, and returned to his old home. 

Comrade Bailey was one of our reliables. He was active on duty viith his 
company, and gained and held the respect and confidence of all. In the fall of 
1863 he was detailed to assist Lieutenant Davenport in the Commissary Depart- 
ment of the regiment, and was a valuable man in every position in which he was 
placed. 



w 2!>4 HISTORY OF THE 

At the battle of Moscow, Tenn., December 4, 1868, he was in charge of the 
ammunition wagons, and as soon as the battery was in position at the bridge Ser- 
geant Bailey had his wagons as far to the front as was safe and prudent, and 
right there in the hottest of the artillery fight over the river was cool and brave 
in the discharge of his duty, and dealt out battery shot and shells, and the rifle 
cartridges to all, and was but a few feet distant when General Hatch came up on 
the run, and saw him when he was wounded and lifted into the ambulance. 

On the raid to West Point, Miss., in February, 1864, he was very active and 
was with his company, G. at Okolona, Miss., February 22d, when he received a 
severe wound in the leg. He had previously been in the ambush when the Ninth 
boys so bravely checked Forrest's charging hordes. 

Sergeant Bailey, though suffering very much from his wounded leg, rode his 
horse back to Germantown and was obliged to go to the hospital from which he 
soon returned to the regiment, and was on duty constantly until the period of his 
discharge. 

Of late years Comrade Bailey has made his home in Wisconsin, where he is 
engaged in his trade as a contractor and builder, and is highly respected and 
esteemed as an upright, public spirited citizen. 

A few years since he commenced a large correspondence with comrades of 
the old Ninth, and prepared a roster of the names and address of some two hun- 
dred and fifty comrades, and aided very largely in bringing about our first reun- 
ion in 1887, and in establishing the veteran organization of the Ninth Illinois 
Cavalry. His present address is Menominie, Wis. 

ERVIN DEVENDORF. 

Ervin Devendorf enlisted in Company G, of the Ninth, at Belvidere, 111., 
February 16, 1865, and remained with his company serving faithfully as a good 
soldier till the close of the war; he was then mustered out at Selma, Ala., October 
31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Returning to his old home he has since located in the great West, and is now, 
1888, engaged in silver mining stocks, and general mining negotiations at Lead- 
ville, Colo., which is his address. 

When Comrade Devendorf came to the Ninth he was already a veteran, 
having served three years in a Wisconsin regiment. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY G. 

Sergeant Robert McNay enlisted from Valparaiso, September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged July 1, 1862; address, Valparaiso, Ind. 

Sergeant Robert H. Henderson enlisted from Tassinong, Ind., September 
10, 1861; veteran; died November 24, 1864, of wounds received at Campbellville, 
Tenn. 

Corporal Thomas C. Hall enlisted from Tassinong, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
veteran; promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Corporal William B. Adams enlisted from Lake county, Ind., September 10, 
1861; promoted company Quartermaster-Sergeant; discharged May 15, 1862. 

Corporal George W. Bond enlisted from Lake county, Ind., September 10, 
1861; discharged May 28, 1862. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 295 

Corporal Merlin Babcock enlisted from Porter county, Ind., September 10, 
1861; died at Memphis, Tenn., October 5, 1862. 

Bugler William Hunson Hecker enlisted from La Porte county, Ind., Sep- 
tember 10, 1861; veteran; promoted First Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 
1865; address, Rolling Prairie, Ind. 

Bugler Jefferson Tappen enlisted from Rolling Prairie, Ind., September 10, 
1861; promoted Regimental Chief Bugler; promoted company Sergeant; mus- 
'tered out October 31, 1865; address, Rolling Prairie, Ind. 

Farrier William Drago enlisted from Valparaiso, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
veteran; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Clinton Atkins enlisted from Porter county, Ind., September 10, 1861; died 
June 13, 1862. 

Robert Ackley enlisted October 7, 1861; mustered out December 10. 1864. 

Henry Brown enlisted from Adrian, Mich., September 10, 1861; discharged 
August 25, 1862. 

Nelson L. Bates enlisted from Appleton, Wis., September 10, 1861 . 

John Beige enlisted from La Porte county, Ind., September 10, 1861; address 
Rolling Prairie, Ind. 

Wellington E. Bailey enlisted September 10, 1861; promoted Corporal; mus" 
tered out September 28, 1864; address, Plymouth, Ind. 

Warren Beeman enlisted from Bourbon, Ind., September 10, 1861; discharged 
July 16, 1862. 

Cornelius Cunningham enlisted from Porter county, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
died August 26, 1862. 

Nathaniel Carl enlisted from Crown Point, Ind., September 10, 1861; mus- 
tered out October 27, 1864. 

Sampson Carl enlisted from Crown Point, Ind., September 10, 1861; died at 
Helena, Ark., 1862. 

Sylvester Clifford enlisted September 10, 1861; deserted November 26, 1861. 

Henry Chester enlisted from Ross, Ind., September 10, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Emanuel R. Coxen enlisted from Bourbon, Ind., September 10, 1861; vet- 
eran; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Eskredge, Kan. 

Adelbert B. Caswell enlisted from Tassinong, September 10, 1861 ; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out December 10, 1864; address, Haskell, Kan. 

Jacob Diepenbaugh enlisted from Washington, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
veteran; promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John Davidson enlisted from Morgan, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; veteran. 

Enoch Davidson enlisted from Morgan, Ind., October 7, 1861; discharged 
October 12, 1862. 

David Dickson enlisted from Winfield, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

Nicholas Dupen enlisted from PlainfieM, September 10, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Franklin N. Dunbar enlisted from Porter county, September 10, 1861; pro- 
moted Corporal: mustered out October 11, 1864. 

Charles Edmonds enlisted from Lake county, Ind., September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged August 25, 1862; address Little River, Kan. 



29f) HISTOKY OF THE 

Levi L. Eastwood enlisted September 10, 1861; deserted October 11, 1861. 

John W. Frank enlisted September 10, 1861; address Akron, Ohio. 

Edson Goit enlisted from Bourbon, Ind., September 10, 1861; discharged July 
16, 1862. 

Robert Green enlisted from Lake county, Ind., September 10, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Ansel Haggert enlisted from Tassinong, Ind., September 10, 1861; died at St. 
Louis, December 5, 1865. 

Peter Hesse enlisted from Lowell, September 10, 1861; mustered out October 
27, 1864; address Cedar Lake, Ind. 

David Hoffman enlisted from La Porte, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 27, 1864; address, Rolling Prairie, Ind. 

Alexander C. Hewling enlisted at Valparaiso, Ind., September 10, 1861; vet- 
eran; promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Spencer, Iowa. 

John Hall enlisted from Marshall County, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

Homer Jones enlisted from Lake County, September 10, 1861; died at Reeve's 
Station, April 22, 1862. 

John Jordan enlisted from Tassinong, Ind., October 7, 1861; mustered out 
October 27, 1864; address, Salix, Iowa. 

George W. Keeler enlisted from Tassinong, September 10, 1861; veteran: 
promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Maryville, Mo. 

William F. King enlisted from La Porte county, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
discharged September 30, 1862; address, Eureka Springs, Ark. 

Samuel T. Lewis enlisted from Valparaiso, Ind. , September 10, 1861 ; mustered 
out October 27, 1864; address, Chicago, 111. 

David Ludington enlisted from Porter County, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
mustered out October 27, 1864; address, Valparaiso, Ind. 

John Longley enlisted at Valparaiso, September 10, 1861; vettran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Benjamin E. Louks enlisted from Union, Ind., September 10, 1861; address, 
Wheeler, Ind. 

David Louks enlisted from Union, Ind., September 10, 1861; died at Helena, 
Ark., September 29, 1862. 

John E. Linn enlisted from Bourbon, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

John Lynch enlisted from Bourbon, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

Charles McDuffee enlisted September 10, 1861. 

Riley McBride enlisted from Valparaiso, September 10, 1861; discharged 
September 22, 1862. 

Sylvester McAnnock enlisted from Union, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

John McCurdy enlisted from Porter County, Ind., September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged February 25, 1862. 

Thaddeus Morton enlisted from Kankakee, Ind. September 10, 1861; pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out October*27, 1864. 

Eben Myeres enlisted from Lake County, Ind., September-10, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Saddler-Sergeant: mustered out October 31, 1865. 

David Miller enlisted September 10, 1861; deserted November 29, 1861. 
Warner Pierce enlisted from Washington, Ind., September 10, 1861. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAY ALKY YOLUNTEERS. 297 

James Perry enlisted from Union, Ind., September 10, 1861; died at Ander- 
sonville prison, September 20, 1864; grave 9313. 

Charles Parkhurst enlisted from Union, Ind., September 10, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Corporal; mustered out October 31. 1865; address, Crighton, Neb. 

Asber W. Proud enlisted from La Porte county, September 10, 1861; died at 
Helena, Ark., November 2, 1862. 

Philander W. Pringle enlisted from Lake county, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
killed at Village Creek, Ark., May 21, 1862. 

Sylvanus S. Palmer enlisted September 10, 1861; deserted December 16, 
1861. 

Zolman E. Peck enlisted from Union, Ind., September 10, 1861; address, 
Deep River, Ind. 

Morrison Paddock enlisted from Gilead, Ind., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 27, 1864. 

Henry Pensinger enlisted at Valparaiso, September 10, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865, as Wagoner; address, Carthage, Mo. 

Charles A. Read enlisted from Lake county, Ind, September 10, 1861, pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out October, 1864; address, Corinna, Minn. 

William Read enlisted from Lake county, September 10, 1861. 

Samuel Rogers enlisted September 10, 1861; deserted October 16, 1861. 

Lewis Rhodes enlisted September 10, 1861; deserted October 16, 1861. 

William C. Schrieve enlisted at Valparaiso, September 10, 1861; mustered 
out October 27, 1864; address, Crighton, Neb. 

Charles Sturtevant enlisted from Lake county, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

Valentine Swartz enlisted September 10, 1861; deserted October 27, 1861. 

Andrew Tompkins enlisted from Morgan, Ind., September 10, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Corporal; died at Eastport, Miss, May 10, 1865. 

W. Van Valkenburgh enlisted from Lake county, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
died at Jacksonport, Ark., June 7, 1862. 

Joseph B. Woodard enlisted at Valparaiso, September 10, 1861; mustered out 
October 27, 1864; address Valparaiso, Ind. 

Allen Winslow enlisted from Washington, Ind., September 10, 1861; dis- 
charged July 16, 1862. 

Harrison Winslow enlisted from Washington, Ind., September 10, 1861; 
mustered out October 27, 1864; address Jetmore, Kan. 

Lewis Winslow enlisted at Valparaiso, September 10, 1861 ; transferred to 
invalid corps, December 22, 1863. 

William J. Wheeler enlisted October 7, 1861; deserted October 11, 1861. 

John Arnold enlisted from Stark county, Ohio, October 21, 1861. 

Sands Austin enlisted from La Porte county, Ind., January 9, 1862; rejected 
January 11, 1862. 

Byron Austin enlisted from Adams, February 28, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Frank Albright enlisted from Riley, February 20, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Ezekiel Brown enlisted from Black Hawk, November 12, 1861; mustered out 
December 10, 1864; address Canton, Dak. 



298 HISTORY OF THE 

William Baxter enlisted from Calumet, Tnd., December 16, 1861; discharged 
January 9, 1862. 

James J. Brooks enlisted from Arkansas, January 30, 1862; died at Memphis, 
April 5, 1864, of wounds received from falling from horse. 

William Brown enlisted from Lysander, February 25, 1865; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Eugene B. Brown enlisted from Riley, February 2, 1865; promoted Bugler; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Leroy Botsford enlisted from Marengo, February 1, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry Brown enlisted from Flora, March 4, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Walter Bushnell enlisted from Greenwood, February 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Ambrose Broughen enlisted from Franklin, February 20, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry C. Bostwick enlisted from DuPage, October 5, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Robert Brough enlisted at Chicago, April 8, 1865; deserted September 8, 
1865. 

James S. Cole enlisted at Valparaiso, February 13, 1862; deserted March 8, 
1862. 

Edwin C. Chapman enlisted from Bonus, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; residence, 3509 Cottage Grove avenue, Chicago. 

Egbert Crandall enlisted from Belvidere, February 14, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Samuel P. Coller enlisted from Barrett, February 20, 1865; mustered out 
October 28, 1865. 

Pinckney H. Corgan enlisted August 29, 1863; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

William L. Churchill enlisted from Franklin, February 20, 1865. 

Michael Darcey enlisted from Lysander, February 27, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry M. Doolittle enlisted from Belvidere, February 21, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Luther Devendorf enlisted from Belvidere, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Eldora, Iowa. 

Charles S. Daniels enlisted from Howard, March 3, 1865; mustered ou* 
August 21, 1865. 

John Friend enlisted from St. Joseph; County, Ind., October 20, 1861. 

George N. Frasier enlisted at Valparaiso, October 22, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out July 8, 1865; prisoner of war. 

Squire Fairchild enlisted from Tassinong, October 18, 1861. 

Orange Fuller enlisted from Greenwood, February 17, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry C. Fentor enlisted from Flora, March 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 299 

Conroy Fiddler enlisted at Antioch, February 22, 1865; died at Eastport, 
Miss., May 22, 1865; accidental wounds. 

William C. Gatlin enlisted from State of Arkansas, June 25, 1862; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out June 17, 1865. 

Oscar H. Gifford enlisted January 15, 1863; discharged September 9, 1865. 

George Gibbons enlisted from McHenry county, February 27, 1865; 
mustered out December 11, 1865. 

Stephen W. Hunter enlisted from Porter county, Ind., October 15, 1861; 
Veteran; promoted Veterinary Surgeon; address, Custer, Ohio. 

George W. Hendee enlisted from Tassinong, Ind., October 30, 1861. 

Charles Hatton enlisted from Felix, November 30, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Dennison Herrick enlisted from Marengo, February 1, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James A. Henry enlisted from Libertyville, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address Clay Centre, Kan. 

Pliny Hudson enlisted from Victor, February 21, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles D. Harmon enlisted from Victor, February 21, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Seth B. Hough enlisted from Victor, February 21, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

George H. Husted enlisted from Victor, February 21, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John J. Haley enlisted from Chicago, February 16, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John Horton enlisted from Lysander February 25, 1865; mustered out August 
28, 1865. 

Spencer Holmes enlisted from Belvidere, February 17, 1865; deserted July 19, 
1865. 

Stephen F. Hall enlisted from Antioch, February 22, 1865; deserted October 
18, 1865. 

Charles Harkness enlisted from Lysander, February 22, 1865; deserted October 
18, 1865. 

William Harmon, enlisted from Lysander, February 25, 1865; deserted June 
5, 1865. 

Daniel H. Jones enlisted from Bonus, February 1, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Charles H. Keich enlisted at Valparaiso, November 12, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

William J. Kelly enlisted from Belvidere, February 14, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1863. » 

Charles Kimball enlisted from Howard, March 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Daniel H. Knight enlisted from Adams, February 28. 1865; mustered out 
August 28, 1865. 

Philip H. Louks enlisted from Union, December 16, 1861; discharged January 
9, 1862. 



300 HISTORY OF THE 

Thomas Laban enlisted from Belvidere, February 13, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Alfred H. Ladd enlisted from Paw Paw, February 17, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James Lynch enlisted at Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

John Lobenhofer enlisted at Chicago, April 5, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Edward Langloise enlisted at St. Ann, April 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Stephen R. Levictor enlisted from Fond du Lac, October 7, 1864; mustered 
out October 31 , 1865. 

David Long enlisted from Onarga, October 20, 1862; deserted July 4, 1864. 

Henry Marlatt enlisted from Denver, January 10, 1862; mustered out January 
28, 1865. 

Michael Maguire enlisted at Chicago, March 11, 1864; promoted Corporal: 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Joseph M. Maginis enlisted from Chicago, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Charles Montooth enlisted from Greenwood, February 17, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

William McDonald enlisted from Howard, March 4, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Matthew McCrank enlisted from Chicago, April 1, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

John McCormick enlisted from Peoria, March 30, 1865; absent insane at 
muster out of regiment. 

Benjamin F. Mann (or Mon) enlisted from Thompson, March 28, 1865; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Murry G. Maxwell enlisted from Kendall, March 9, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John McGowen enlisted from Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

DeWitt C. Miller enlisted from Lysander, March 1, 1865; mustered out Sep- 
tember 25, 1865. 

Charles Martin enlisted from Saratoga; February 28, 1865; deserted August 
12, 1865. 

Robert Norris enlisted from Chicago, April 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles Newman enlisted at Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Gilbert Oberton enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

William Parkhurst enlisted from Union, Ind., October 18, 1861; rejected 
November 21, 1861. 

Edward S. Payne enlisted from Spring, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 301 

George Payne enlisted from Spring, February 16, 1865; mustered out October 

31, 1865. 

Luther Payne enlisted from Spring, February 15, 1865; deserted October 18, 

1865. 

Charles H. Purrington enlisted from Adams, February 28, I860; mustered 

out October 31, 1865. 

Ira Prisbery enlisted from Lysander, February 27, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Benjamin Peters enlisted from Tassinong, November 1, 1861. 

Edwin Richards enlisted from Valparaiso, October 22, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865; address Battle Cretk. Mich. 

Edward Reardon enlisted from Roscoe, February 15, 1865; mustered out 

October 31, 1865. 

William H. H. Russell enlisted from Sugar Grove, February 21, 1865, mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

John R. Renwick enlisted from Elgin, February 22, 1865; mustered out 

August 28, 1865. 

^George A. Ren enlisted from Lysander, February 25, 1865; deserted July 19, 

1865. 

George Rose deserted December 18, 1862. 

Byron Smith enlisted from Morgan, October 21, 1861; veteran; died at Pon- 
totoc, Miss., of wounds received July 18, 1864. 

Adam Shoal enlisted at Chicago, February 11, 1862; veteran; promoted Sad- 
dler-Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Egbert R. Shearer enlisted from Marengo, February 2, 1865: mustered out 

October 31, 1865. 

Russell Strong enlisted from Riley, February 2, 1865; mustered out October 

31, 1865. 

Thomas Stafford enlisted from Saratoga, February 28, 1865; mustered out 

October 31, 1865. 

Volney Streeter enlisted from Franklin, February 16, 1865; mustered out 

October 31, 1865. 

John Sallinger enlisted from Laona, February 18, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

George Schurtrum enlisted from Columbus, April 4, 1865; mustered out 

October 31, 1865. 

George A. Shick enlisted from Chicago, May 8, 1864; discharged for disabil- 
ity, February 7, 1865. 

Cooley P. Smith enlisted from Kingston, February 21, 1865; deserted July 

19, 1865. 

Henry Strong enlisted from Lysander, February 25, 1865; deserted August 

12, 1865. 

Charles Tanner enlisted from Belvidere, February 15, 1865; mustered out 

October 31, 1865. 

Robert Trascel enlisted from Belvidere, February 18, 1865; mustered out 

October 31, 1865. 

Samuel Turner enlisted from Belvidere, February 18, 1865; mustered out Sep- 
tember 15, 1865. 



302 HISTOKY OF THE 

Jesse Urry enlisted from Riley, February 9, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

John T. Vorus enlisted from Bonus, February 1, 1865; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Jacob Wild enlisted from Bourbon, Ind., September 10, 1861. 

Thomas Walker enlisted from Apple River, March 6, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Schuyler, Neb. 

Edward Wood enlisted from Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 
31,1865. 

Robert Watson enlisted from Franklin, February 2 >, 1865; mustered out 
July 28, 1865. 

Daniel T. Warren enlisted from Sycamore, January 26, 1865; deserted Sep- 
tember 8, 1865. 

Harris Woodard enlisted from Spring, February 14, 1865; deserted August 
6, 1865. 

William Yancey enlisted from Lysander, February 25, 1865; deserted June 
5, 1865. 

COMPANY H. 

Company H, Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, was recruited 
mainly in Kewanee, Henry county, 111., and vicinity, and arrived 
in camp in the early part of October and was mustered into the 
service October 17, 1861. 

This company was gathered in by Linus D. Bishop, Edwin W. 
Luce, Henry Prather, Walter B. Anderson and James H. Mur- 
ray, and the following were the first commissioned officers — Cap- 
tain Linus B. Bishop, First Lieutenant Edwin Luce, and the Sec- 
ond Lieutenant Edward Prather. 

Company H was mustered into the service October 17, 1861, 
and did excellent service during the whole term of the war. Being 
a company always armed with carbines and sabers, they were 
often called upon for swift mounted action, and in the charge 
were ever in the front, and gallant and brave in their actions in 
the field. 

Though somewhat unfortunate in having their commissioned 
officers sought out and placed on detached service, they still had 
many among them fully competent to lead. In the heroic, though 
wild and unfortunate charge of Company H, at Tupelo, Miss., 
July 15, 1864, where, under the command of the brave and gal- 
lant Lieutenant McMahon, who here lost his life, this gallant 
company charged right up to the breastworks of the enemy and 
gallantly held their ground until mowed down and driven back 
by the overwhelming numbers of the enemy. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 303 

In all prominent engagements of the Ninth Company H was 
on hand and many joined the new organization as veterans. 

Their number at muster in was eighty -eight, the whole num- 
ber belonging to company two hundred and twenty-three. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN CHARLES T. SCAMMON. 

Charles T. Scarnmon, son of the Honorable J. Young Scammon. joined the 
Ninth in the fall of 1861, and was commissioned First Lieutenant of Company 
L, butdid not serve much of his time with the regiment, as he was on detached 
servicewith the staff of General Fred Steele. 

He was promoted to be Captain of Company H, January 15, 1863, on the 
promotion of Captain Bishop, still remaining away with the regiment, and was 
mustered out of the service at the expiration of his term of service in 1865. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN SOWERBY. 

Frank W. Sowerby enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, October 8, 1861, at 
Kewanee, 111., and served in Company H until the end of the war. 

He served faithfully in all the engagements of Company H, re-enlisted as a 
veteran January 1, 1864, and was promoted First Sergeant of his company Janu- 
ary 20, 1864; was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and again promoted March 
28, 1865, to be First Lieutenant of his Company, H, and on the 15th of Sep- 
tember, 1865, was commissioned to be Captain of the company he served so long 
and faithfully. 

He was a popular, brave and efficient officer, ready at all times to do his full 
duty, and had the confidence and esteem of all his comrades. 

Captain Sowerby was mustered out of the service at Selma, Ala.. October 31, 
1865, and later removed to San Antonio, Tex., his present address, 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT PRATHER. 

Henry Prather joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and was commissioned 
Second Lieutenant of Company H, October 17, 1861, but his health failing he 
remained but a short time. 

He resigned his commission November 10, 1861, and returned to his home in 
Kewanee, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT ANDERSON. 

Walter B. Anderson enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry at Kewanee, Sep- 
tember 10, 1861, and was appointed First Sergeant of Company H, and on the 
resignation of Henry Prather was promoted to be Second Lieutenant of his com- 
pany, which position he filled creditably until May 26, 1862, when he resigned at 
Jacksonport, Ark. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT LUCE. 

Edwin W. Luce was commissioned to be First Lieutenant of Company H, 
having enlisted at Kewanee, 111., but remained but a short time with the regi- 
ment; marched with the Ninth from Pilot Knob, Mo. to the Little Black River, 
where, his health having failed, he resigned his commission, and returned to his 
home in Illinois. 



304 HISTORY OF THE 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT McCLURE. 

Alexander W. McClure enlisted from Cass county, Ind., November 7, 1861, 
in Company E, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and was soon after promoted Corporal 
of his company, and being a man of unusual ability he was detailed at regi. 
mental headquarters, where he remained on duty until October 1, 1862, when 
a vacancy in the first lieutenantcy of Company H occurring he wascommsisioned 
to that position and was in command of his company for some time. He was 
then placed on detached service as Inspector of Cavalry on the staff of General 
Grierson, serving in that capacity until his term of service expired November 25, 
1864, when he was mustered out. Lieutenant McClure was a good soldier and a 
fine officer. Brave and dashing in manner, he was quick to see and perform 
everything in the line of duty. After leaving the army the subject of this sketch 
engaged actively in business in Chicago. He is a man of considerable literary 
ability and is a contributor to some of the leading periodicals of the country. In 
1887 he received an offer to go East and cast his fortunes with a large manufact- 
uring corporation, and removed with his family to Hoosac Falls, N. Y., which 
is believed to be his present address, 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT MURRAY. 

James H. Murray enlisted September 9, 1861, at Kewanee, 111., and was mus- 
tered into service as Corporal of Company H. 

He was a brave and capable soldier, re-enlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864, 
and was appointed Sergeant of his company; again promoted March 28, 1865, to 
be Second Lieutenant, and on the 15th of September, 1865, was commissioned 
First Lieutenant of Company H, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

Lieutenant Murray was a brave, reliable, good soldier, always ready for any 
duty, with the regiment from first to last, and respected by all his comrades. 

He was mustered out October 31, 1865, at Selma, Ala. 

His present address is Galva, Henry County, 111., May, 1888. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT PAGE. 

Robert C. Page enlisted at Kewanee in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry in 1861, 
and re-enlisted as a veteran, January 1, 1864, and was appointed Sergeant. 

He served faithfully with his company during the period of the existence of 
the regiment, was promoted Second Lieutenant September 15, 1865, but did not 
muster as such. 

He was mustered out as First Sergeant of Company H, October 31, 1865. 

His present address, March, 1888, Blooming Prairie, Minn. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT CUNNINGHAM. 

Edward Cunningham enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 6, 
1861, from Mattoon, 111., and was appointed Corporal of Company H, from 
which position he was promoted and commissioned to be Second Lieutenant of 
his company, and remained in the field to January 20. 1864, when he resigned his 
commission in the service and returned to his home in Illinois. 

SKETCH OF EX-GOVERNOR NANCE. 
Albinus Nance at the age of sixteen enlisted April 24, 1864, in Company H 
of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry at Kewanee, 111. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS.' 305 

He served with the regiment well and bravely till the final musters out of the 
regiment at Selma, Ala., October 81, 1865. 

At the close of the war he returned to Illinois and studied law, removing to 
Nebraska in 1871, opened a law office in Osceola, where he soon assumed a lead- 
ing position as one of the foremost lawyers of the State. 

He entered politics in 1874, and was elected to the Nebraska House of Rep- 
resentatives. 

In May, 1876, was elected a delegate to the Republican National Convention 
.at Cincinnati, and was Chairman of the Nebraska delegation. 

In the fall of 1876, he was elected to the Legislature, and after an excitino- 
contest was chosen Speaker of that body. 

In November, 1878, was elected Governor of Nebraska, and in 1880 he was 
re-elected Governor, and was so popular that he ran ahead of the regular Repub- 
lican ticket over one thousand votes. 

At the expiration of his second term, he declined a renomination, and 
engaged at Osceola, Neb., in the banking business, which he still carries on. 

He was married in the fall of 1875 to Miss Sarah White, and has one 
daughter, Helen M. 

Governor Nance is a man of much ability, of broad and liberal views a 
strong Republican, and one of Nebraska's most popular and esteemed citizens. 

His present address is where he first settled in 1871, Osceola, Neb. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY H. 

Sergeant John Fair enlisted from Kewanee, September 19, 1861; mustered 
out October 27, 1864; address, Parsons, Kan. 

Sergeant William W. Whitaker enlisted fromFarmington, September 9 1861- 
reduced to ranks and dropped. 

Corporal Royal A. Haskins enlisted from Chicago, September 25, 1861- died 
at Lowell, Iud., 1882. 

Corporal David W. Poor enlisted from Kewanee, September 11, 1861; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 19, 1864; address, Smaltville, Neb. 

Corporal John W. Nichols enlisted from Kewanee, September 17, 1861; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 27, 1864. 

Bugler Selden Miner enlisted from Kewanee, October 15, 1861; mustered out 
July 22, 1864, to accept promotion as Assistant Surgeon Third Alabama Cavalry 
address, Elmira, 111. 

Farrier James McGuire enlisted from Kewanee, September 9, 1861; mustered 
out October 27, 1864. 

Nicholas Burns enlisted from Chicago, October 16, 1861; dropped; term ex- 
pired. 

Thomas Burns enlisted from Chicago, October 16, 1861; deserted November 
12, 1861. 

Benjamin Bowens enlisted from Kewanee, October 16, 1861. 

William R. Cherry enlisted from Kewanee, September 10, 1861; accidentally 
killed December 31, 1861. 

George W. Custer enlisted from Kewanee, September 17, 1861; discharged 
•October 6, 1863, for disability. 

20 



306 HISTORY OF THE 

Henry Clark enlisted from Kewanee, September 17, 1861; veteran; mustered 
outto date, February 14, 1865; prisoner of war. 
Edward Connell enlisted October 17, 1861. 

Albert J. Carter enlisted from Kewanee, September 26, 1861; discharged 
January 9, 1863. 

John P. Charbonier enlisted from Chicago, September 26, 1861. 
James Cornelius enlisted from Chicago, October 1, 1861; died at Anderson- 
ville prison, August 24, 1864; grave, 6738. 

Thomas Davis enlisted from Henry County, September 17, 1861; veteran; 
promoted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick Dunn enlisted from Kewanee, September 17, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out, October 31, 1865. 

Charles Dack enlisted from Kewanee, September 26, 1861; died at Anderson- 
ville prison, September 8, 1864; grave, 8187. 

John Deitz enlisted from Geneseo, September 25, 1861; discharged Septem- 
ber 25, 1862, for disability. 

George Dicus enlisted from Geneseo, September 13, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out December 9, 1864. 

John Dean enlisted from Chicago, October 14, 1861. 

Cornelius Evans enlisted from Kewanee, September 24, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 1864. 

George A. England enlisted from Chicago, September 14, 1861; deserted No- 
vember 12, 1861. 

John Fesler enlisted at Chicago, September 25, 1861; mustered out October 
27, 1864. 

John Foley enlisted at Chicago, September 17, 1861; mustered out June 9, 
1864. 

John Gibson enlisted at Chicago, October 14, 1861, deserted November 6 r 
1861. 

James Glaspey enlisted at Chicago, October 17, 1861; deserted November 8, 
1861. 

Robert Gowans enlisted at Chicago, October 14, 1861; deserted December 6 r 
1861. 

John Gilmaster enlisted September 30, 1861 . 
William H. Harrison enlisted at Kewanee, September 9, 1861. 
Robert Holland enlisted at Chicago, October 11, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address Tillbury Centre, Ont. 

William E. Howden enlisted at Chicago, October 16, 1861; discharged Sep- 
tember 26, 1862, for disability. 

George Harris enliste.i at Kewanee, September 17, 18C1; musleied out Decem- 
ber 9, 1864, as Sergeant. 

John W. Holdback enlisted October 16, 1861. 
Bernard Helline enlisted at Kewanee, September 24, 1861. 
Peter Hadburg enlisted at Kewanee, September 24, 1861; discharged Novem- 
ber 9, 1862, for disability. 

Matthew P. Jackson enlisted at Chicago, October 14, 1861; died at Helena, 
Ark., September 23, 1862. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVA LEY VOLUNTEERS. 307 

John Johnston enlisted from Chicago, October 19, 1861; dropped. 

John Kermene enlisted at Kewanee, September 17, 1861. 

Hugh C. Kirk enlisted Kewanee, September 17, 1861; mustered out Decem- 
ber 9, 1864 as Corporal; address, Prescott, Kan. 

John W. King enlisted October 16, 1861. 

Theodore Kay enlisted from Kewanee, September 24,1861; mustered out 
October 27, 1864, as Sergeant; address Jericho Springs, Mo. 

Thomas Kay enlisted from Chicago, September 24, 1861 ; discharged April 
21, 1862, for disabilty; address, 455 Convent street., Omaha, Neb. 

Michael Lynch enlisted from Chicago, September 17, 1861. 

Henry Lader enlisted from Kewanee, September 25, 1861. 

William Looby enlisted from Chicago, October 7, 1861. 

Henry Lattz enlisted from Crete, October 9, 1861; transfered to Company D. 

Pendegrast McGuire enlisted from Kewanee, September 16, 1861; transferred 
to Company M. 

John Marshall enlisted at Kewanee September 16, 1861; discharged April 11, 
1862; disability. 

Patrick Murray enlisted October 14, 1861. 

Henry Mandeville enlisted from Kewanee September 24, 1861; died at Helena 
August 1, 1862. 

Michael Mitchell enlisted from Kewanee September, 4, 1861. 

Christian Meyer enlisted from Kewanee, September 19, 1861. 

Henry E McCoy enlisted October 19, 1861; transferred to Company L. 

George E. Newton enlisted at Kewanee, September 7, 1861; discharged Octo- 
ber 20, 1862. 

Euric Ogren enlisted at Chicago September 17, 1861; discharged August 20, 
1862; disability. 

Philip Orcutt enlisted at Kewanee, October 17, 1861 ; mustered out October 
27, 1864. 

Thomas Pullen enlisted at Kewanee, September 6, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

George Prather enlisted at Kewanee, September 25, 1861. 

George W. Patch enlisted at Chicago, October 4, 1861; discharged September 
30, 1862. for disability. 

Oliver L. Patch enlisted at Chicago, October 4, 1861; discharged September 
30, 1862, for disability. 

William P. Reed enlisted at Kewanee, September 4, 1861; prisoner of war; 
mustered out to date from February 18, 1865. 

Clemens Reineke enlisted at Chicago, October 15, 1861, transferred to Com- 
pany F, November 7, 1861. 

Arthur Rooney enlisted at Chicago, October 17, 1861; mustered out Decem- 
ber 9, 1865. 

Charles Rose enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company L. 

Peter Rodgers enlisted October 7, 1861. 

Elijah J. Rice enlisted at Chicago, October 16, 1861; deserted December 6, 
1861. 

Edward Rouse enlisted at Chicago, October 11, 1861; discharged November 
7, 1862; address, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. 



30S HISTORY OF THE 

John A. Scliaub enlisted at Chicago, September 9, 1861. 

Asa Smith enlisted at Kewanee, October 8, 1861; veterau; promoted Sergeant; 
killed at Tupelo, Miss., July 15, 1864. 

Frank Shock enlisted at Chicago, October 15, 1861 ; discharged April 11, 1862, 
for disability. 

Pierson Swanson enlisted at Chicago, October 17, 1861; died in Cahaba 
prison, April 15, 1865. 

Orlando E. Thompson enlisted at Kewanee, September 26, 1861; promoted 
Corporal, prisoner of war; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

William Winship enlisted at Kewanee, September 11, 1861; veteran; mustered* 
out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant; address, Cuba, 111. 

Joseph Walhurst enlisted at Kewanee, September 26, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Vine Walch enlisted at Chicago, October 9, 1861; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Robert Wilkie enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Wagoner. 

Francis Wayland enlisted October 15, 1861. 

RECRUITS. 

Charles Anderson enlisted at Chicago, Septembers, 1861; deserted December 
15, 1861. 

Aaron B. Austin enlisted at Chicago, February 20, 1862; discharged Febru- 
ary 16, 1865. 

LyciusM. Addleman enlisted at Chicago, March 20, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Stevens Point, Wis. 

Robert Andrews enlisted at Chicago March 20, 1865; mustered out October 

31, 1865. 

Samuel Armon enlisted at Kewanee, February 7, 186- ; mustered out Sep- 
tember 1, 1865. 

John H. Ash enlisted at Weathersfield, February 28, 186-; mustered out Sep- 
tember 19, 1865. 

James Anderson enlisted at Kewanee, February 27, 186-; deserted August 
4, 1865. 

Hiram Anderson — 

John Bright enlisted at Kewanee, September 30, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Thomas Brown enlisted at Kewanee, September 25, 1861; deserted February 
2, 1862. 

James M. Brown rejected January 1, 1862. 

William C. Butler enlisted at Kewanee, March 21, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Amos Bye enlisted at Weathersfield, February 28, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Albert Bellows enlisted at Kewanee, January 26, 1864; died on battlefield at 
Tupelo, Miss., July 15, 1864, of wounds. 

Franklin Bailey enlisted from Buena Vista, W., March 7,1865; deserted 
June 19, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 309 

Gordon B. Bishop enlisted at Chicago, March 7, 1865; deserted August 1, 
1865. 

Henry M. Clark enlisted from Flora, March 4, 1865; mustered out Octoher 
31, 1865. 

John Coleman enlisted at Kewanee, Fehruary 10, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Alexander W. Collins enlisted at Chicago, March 7, 1865; mustered out Oc- 
toher 31, 1865. 

John H. Cole enlisted from Belvidere, March 2, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James L. Cheney enlisted from Flora, March 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31,1865. 

Nathaniel Carl enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865: mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Henry T. Cramer enlisted from Chicago, March 20, 1865; deserted July 19, 
1865. 

Herman Casteal enlisted from Aurora, March 29, 1865; deserted July 24, 
1865. 

Peter Campbell. (See Company A.) 

Richard H. Delmege enlisted from Chicago, January 1, 1862; address, Afton, 
Iowa. 

Raymond C. Delmeye enlisted from Kewanee, March 21, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Sergeant. 

William J. Duff enlisted from Kewanee, March 21, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Charles Delmeye enlisted from Kewanee, February 10, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James Denny enlisted from Kewanee, February 7, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Tim Donovan enlisted from Kewanee, February 27, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George W. Dutton enlisted from Belvidere, March 2, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Thomas Dickery enlisted from Chicago, March 3, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Webster Dyer enlisted from Chicago, March 14, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address, Madison, Dak. 

James W. Dunham 'enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; deserted April 
23, 1865. 

George W. Earl enlisted from Rockford March 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Richard G. Espey enlisted from Weathersfield, February 28, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; address, Galva, 111. 

Thomas Flanagan enlisted from Kewanee, February 28, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Christopher Flauagan enlisted from Kewanee, March 21, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 



310 HISTORY OF THE 

Charles E. Folsom enlisted from Kewanee, February 26, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Kewanee, 111. 

Henry C. Folsom. 

Augustus Gilner enlisted from Chicago, October 24, 1861; deserted August 11, 
1862. 

Irwin J. Gutches enlisted from Weathersfield, February 6, 1865; musteredout 
October 31, 1865. 

Oliver P. George enlisted from Kewanee, February 1, 1863; address, Kewa- 
nee, 111. 

James Gutleib. 

Preston J. Hawkins enlisted from Galva, November 17, 1863; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. as Sergeant. 

George W. Henderson enlisted from Deanington, February 21, 1864; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as blacksmith. 

William Hill enlisted from Kewanee, February 29, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Lezer House enlisted from Kewanee, May 2, 1864; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Samuel Harris enlisted from Flora, March 21, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

William Howden enlisted from Chicago, March 25, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Andrew Hume, mustered out October 31, 1856. 

John Hofft musteredout October 31, 1865; address, 757 Clybourn avenue, 
Chicago. 

John W. Hals-tead enlisted at Kewanee, February 6, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Charles Jeneke enlisted at Chicago, January 6, 1862; discharged July 20, 
1862, for disability. 

John C. Jacobs enlisted at Kewanee, January 25, 1864; absent, sick, at mus- 
ter-out of regiment. 

Joseph Jacobs, Jr., enlisted at Kewanee, January 25, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Jeremiah Jones enlisted at Kewanee, January 25, 1864; mustered out October 
81, 1865. 

Daniel Jacobs enlisted at Kewanee, February 20, 1864; deserted October, 
1864. 

Joseph Jacobs, Sr., deserted July 19, 1865. 

Charles Kohn enlisted at Chicago, December 18, 1861. 

William Knaggs enlisted at Kewanee, October 25, 1861; died at Pilot Knob, 
Mo., April 3,1862. 

Alexander Klonkee deserted March 3, 1862. 

Czar Kent enlisted at Kewanee, February 7, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

George Kay enlisted from Saxon, February 10, 1864; mustered out June 9, 
1865; address, La Fayette, 111. 

John F. Kellogg enlisted at Chicago, March 20, 1865; deserted August 9, 
1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 311 

Parker Lester enlisted at Weathersfleld, February 6, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

David Lillis enlisted from Hanna, February 28, 1865; mustered out October 
51, 1865. 

Samuel Lefflngwell enlisted at Cbicago, March 20, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

John Lowrery enlisted at Chicago, March 15, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Henry Lewis enlisted at La Fayette, January 1, 1863; died at Charleston, S. C, 
while prisoner. 

Daniel F. Lacks enlisted at Chicago, March 8, 1865; deserted April 23, 1865. 

Samuel R. Lewis enlisted from La Fayette, January 1, 1863; deserted July 
•24, 1865. 

French Luke enlisted at Chicago, March 17, 1865; deserted August 14, 1865. 

William H. Mudge enlisted at Chicago, December 18, 1861; mustered out 
January 4, 1865. as Saddle Sergeant; died at Lowell, Ind., July 16, 1887. 

William P. Milliman enlisted at Chicago, November 15, 1861; deserted Decem- 
ber 27, 1861. 

Eugene McDonald enlisted at Jacksonport, Ark., June 19, 1862. 

William J. Mooney enlisted at Kewanee, January 26, 1864; mustered out 
June 22, 1865. 

Thomas McClure enlisted at Kewanee, February 26, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Kewanee, 111. 

David McMilien enlisted at Weathersfleld, February 6, 1865; mustered out 
•October 31, 1865. 

Martin McCartney enlisted at Chicago, March 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Samuel McCormick enlisted from Niles, March 4, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

William Marston enlisted at Chicago, March 20, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Daniel Miner enlisted at Franklin, February 14, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Littlefair March enlisted from Courtland, April 4, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; address, Offerle, Kan. 

Thomas J. Miller enlisted from Chicago, February 27, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Charles M. Miller enlisted from Chicago, March 31, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Charles Minney enlisted from Weathersfleld, February 28, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William R. Maxwell enlisted from Weathersfleld, February 28, 1865; died 
at Paducah, Ky., March 29, 1865. 

John Mann enlisted from Kewanee, February 27, 1865; deserted August 20, 
1865. 

Herman Nelson enlisted from Kewanee, January 25, 1864; mustered out Oc- 
tober 31, 1865, as Bugler. 



312 HISTORY OF THE 

Oliver Norton enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865: mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James D. Nickerson enlisted from Chicago March 20, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Otterstrom discharged July 20, 1862, for disability. 

Alonzo Otto mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John Perry enlisted at Jacksonport, Ark., June 26, 1862. 

Fielding W. Poe enlisted from Chicago, July 29, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865, as Sergeant. 

Jason M. Pratt enlisted from Chicago, March 31, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865, as Bugler. 

William Peterson enlisted at Kewanee, February 26, 1864; mustered out Oc- 
tober 31, 1865. 

Charles It. Phillips enlisted at Chicago, April 5, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Isaiah Phillipson enlisted from Nunda, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Albert G. Razycki enlisted from Pitman's Ferry, Ark., August 24, 1862; dis- 
charged August 25, 1865. 

Snow Ri chardson enlisted at Kewanee, February 26, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865." 

George A. Richardson enlisted from Plattsville, Miss., March 7, 1865; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

Reuben Robinson enlisted from Knoxville, January 25, 1864; discharged 
August 4, 1865, by reason of wounds. 

John Ryan enlisted at Chicago, March 3, 1865; deserted August 19, 1865. 

Alfred R. Stolph enlisted from Aurora, December 25; 1861; discharged Feb- 
ruary 1, 1862, for disability. 

Dudley Schoonover enlisted at Kewanee, January 1, 1863; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Benjamin T. Stuart enlisted at Kewanee, February 7, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Corporal; address, Neponset, 111. 

Robert Stratton enlisted at Kewanee, March 21, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William M. Smith enlisted from Kewanee, February 7, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Rock Falls, 111. 

John W. Stokes enlisted at Kewanee, February 7, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

John C. Shaw enlisted from Toulon, February 21, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Patrick Smith enlisted from Toulon, February 21, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Julius Seaman enlisted at Chicago, Marah 20, 1865; mustered out June 2, 
1865. 

Franklin Stephens enlisted at Kewanee, February 10, 1864; died at Gallatin, 
Tenn., February 9, 1864. 

Jeremiah Sullivan enlisted at Chicago, March 15, 1865; deserted July 4, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 313 

Charles G. Tinker enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; veteran; deserted 
July 19, 1865. 

Robert R. Thompson enlisted from Henry county; veteran; promoted Ser- 
geant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Herman Van Gordon enlisted at Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Israel Vanness enlisted at Chicago, March 8, 1865; deserted August 4, 1865. 

Sidney Wood enlisted from Augusta, Ark., July 5, 1862; deserted November 
11, 1862. 

Benjamin A. Wedge enlisted from Weathersfield, February 28, 1865; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865. 

August Wedderman enlisted at Chicago, April 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William F. Wheeler enlisted at Kewanee, March 21, 1864; died at Mont- 
gomery, Ala., August 21, 1865. 

August Weaver. 

Lewis C. Young enlisted at Kewanee, February 7, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

COMPANY I. 

Company I, of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, was 
recruited largely in the neighborhood of Belvidere, Boone county, 
111., but had in its ranks a number from other towns in the 
vicinity. It was brought together mainly by the first commis- 
sioned officers of the company, who were Captain William M. 
Chidister, First Lieutenant Joseph W. Harper, and Second Lieu- 
tenant Leander L. Shattuck. 

Company I was mustered into the service October 23, 1801, 
and the service it rendered under the very efficient officers of the 
company was second to none, having in its ranks men from all 
the various walks of life, and always anxious to make an honor- 
able record. When there were scouts on hand, details to be made, 
this company could always be "counted in," and bravely and 
gallantly performed every duty pertaining to the arduous life of 
cavalry soldiers. 

In the re-organization of the regiment, in March, 1864, a large 
proportion of Company I been me veterans, and, still under the 
command of their gallant Captain Harper maintained the fine 
reputation they had established. Then when Captain Jenner 
and the new officers came to the front the company went right 
on in the good work and were as before ever ready, and always 
performed with alacrity all that good cavalry soldiers could do. 



314 HISTORY OF THE 

The number in company when mustered into the service was 
«ighty-seven; total enlisted, two hundred and twenty-two. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN CHIDISTER. 

William M. Chidister joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry at Chicago, 111., as 
First Lieutenant of Company I, October 23, and was promoted Captain, Novem- 
ber 17, 1861. 

He remained with the regiment during the Missouri and Arkansas campaigns, 
and was discharged October 3, 1862, at Helena, Ark. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN JENNER. 

Harvey M. Jenner enlisted from Caledonia, September 12, 1861, and was 
mustered into the service as Corporal of Company I, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Octo- 
ber 23, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran, and was appointed Sergeant June 1, 1864; 
promoted to be First Sergeant soon after, and again promoted and commissioned 
First Lieutenant, December 4, 1864, and Captain of Company I, May 10, 1865, 
remaining on duty constantly with the regiment until October 31, 1865, when he 
was mustered out at Selma, Ala. 

Captain Jenner was among the best officers of the regiment. Resolute and 
brave, no danger appalled him, for he was ready and anxious at all times to per- 
form his full duty, and more with his gallant command of Company I. 

He was in all the engagements in which his company took part, and gained 
and held the respect of both officers and men. 

Since the war Captain Jenner has located in Chicago, 111., which is his pres- 
ent address. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT ABBOTT. 

Othman A. Abbott enlisted from Kingston, September 12, 1861, in Company 
I, of the Ninth, and re-enlisted as a veteran, March 1, 1864; was appointed Sergeant 
and commissioned Second Lieutenant, February 22, 1865; was again promoted, 
May 10, 1865, to be First Lieutenant, remaining with his company until October 
■31, 1865, when he was mustered out at Selma, Ala. 

Lieutenant Abbott was and is a man of much ability. He was a good soldier, 
brave and gallant, and always in the front ready for duty. He received a wound 
at Hurricane Creek, July 12, 1864, which laid him up in the hospital for some 
time. 

Since the war he has made his home in Nebraska, where, as a successful law- 
yer and politician, he is widely known and respected, enjoying the confidence of 
the people to the extent that he has been Lieutenant-Governor of the State of his 
adoption. 

His address is Grand Island, Neb. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT WESTBROOK. 

Abner H. Westbrook enlisted from Kingston, September 12, 1861, and be- 
came a Sergeant of Company I, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, October 23, 1861; was 
promoted to be Second Lieutenant, October 3, 1862, and died of disease at Mem- 
phis, Tenn., October 22, 1864. 




CHARLES D, MANNING. 

Sergeant Compaqy I. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 315 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT ROBINSON. 

Frederick P. Robinson came from Flora, and enlisted in Company I, of the 
Ninth, September 12, 1861; re-enlisted as a veteran; was appointed First Sergeant, 
and May 10, 1865, was commissioned Second Lieutenant of his company. 

He was ever faithful and brave in the discharge of all duties while with the 
regiment. 

Lieutenant Robinson was on duty constantly with his company during the 
whole term of his service, and fiually mustered out at Selma, Ala., October 31, 
1865. 

After payment and discharge at Springfield, 111., in November, 1865, he 
returned to his old home . 

His present address is not known. 

SKETCH OF DR. EDWIN K. ABBOTT. 

Dr. Edwin K. Abbott was in college in Hillsdale, Mich., when he enlisted, 
October 7, 1864, in Company I, of the Ninth, and joined the regiment at Gravelly 
. Springs, Ala., and served with his company till October 31, 1865, when he was 
mustered out as Corporal. 

He was one of the youngest soldiers in the regiment, and was always anxious 
to perform his full duty. 

After leaving the service he again attended college, and in 1869 took the 
degree of B. A. in Hillsdale college, and in 1871 graduated as an M. D. from 
the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and the same year emigrated to Cali- 
fornia. 

In 1873 he was married to Miss Millie E. French at Medina, Ohio, and has 
now a family of four — two boys and two girls. 

Doctor Abbott has been for the past sixteen years local volunteer observer for 
the meteorological department of the War Department; politically, a Prohibi- 
tionist, and is a member of the State Central Committee, and is a member of the 
local Board of Trade in his city; a man widely known and highly respected in the 
State of his adoption, and his address, June, 1888, Salinas, Cal. 

SKETCH OF MILES H. STRONG. 

Miles H. Strong enlisted at Monroe, September 12, 1861, in Company I, of 
the Ninth, serving with his company till January 1, 1864, when he re-enlisted as a 
veteran, and was on duty faithfully till November 24, 1864, when, at Campbells- 
* ville, Tenn., in the severe fight of that day, he was wounded by the enemy by 
a shot in the hip, and taken prisoner; was paroled, and as Hood's army was soon 
after driven from Tennessee, he escaped the rebel prisons. 

After returning to the regiment he was appointed Sergeant of his company, 
serving with them till October 31, 1865, when the whole regiment were mustered 
out at Selma, Ala. 

His address, May, 1888, is Slide, Humboldt county, Cal. 

SKETCH OF CHARLES D. MANNING 
Charles D. Manning enlisted at Rockton, 111., January 5, 1864, in Company 
I, of the Ninth, and served as a true, good soldier until the muster out of the 
regiment, October 31, 1865. 



316 HISTORY OF THE 

While in the company he was promoted to be Company Saddler-Sergeant, 
and was on duty dnring the whole term of his service. This comrade, after 
leaving the army in 1865, attended school two years, thus completing his educa- 
tion, which was interrupted when he enlisted; he then engaged in business at his 
old home, and was elected a member of the school board there; was married in 
1871, and has an excellent wife and two fine children — a daugher of fifteen and a 
son seven years of age. 

With fair health and a good business he has about as much to be thankful 
for as the most favored. 

He emigrated to Iowa in 1882, and has been Assessor of his township for the 
years 1885-86, and is now a member of the city school board, a man respected by 
all who know him. 

His present address, Rock Rapids, la. 

SKETCH OF JESSE HAWES. 

Among those who in 1861 joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry at Belvidere, 111.,, 
was Jesse Hawes, who enlisted September 12, in Company I. His parents had 
moved from New England only a year before, and at the time of his enlistment 
he was preparing to enter the sophomore class of a Western college. This ambi- 
tion of a college course young Hawes gave up for the time, and devoted himself 
earnestly to the work of becoming a good soldier. 

In the engagement of Stewart's Plantation, June 27, 1862, he was wounded 
by a bullet in the left leg, and was sent north to Jefferson Barracks, Mo., for a 
few months to recover from the effects of his wound. In that engagement his 
horse received five rebel balls. 

Returning to the regiment, he served with them constantly until July 12, 1864. 
when in sanguinary charge of his battalion upon the rebel breastworks at Pon- 
totoc he went so far that the rebels reached over and took him prisoner. He 
was then taken to Meridian, Miss., and Selma, and finally to Cahaba, Ala., and 
was confined in the later prison until the close of the war. 

Of the fifteen men who entered that prison with him, twelve were dead a 
year later. 

In the last few years Dr. Hawes has been gathering material for a history 
of the prison of Cahaba, which will soon be published. This place, which was one 
of the large prisons of the South, contaiued two and one-half times as many in- 
mates as Libby, and is probably the least known of all the Southern prisons. It 
was the most densely crowded prison in the South, being five times more crowded 
than Andersonville. 

For the last ten days of its use as a prison, just before the capture of Cahaba 
by the Union General Wilson, it was overflown by the Alabama River, and a ma- 
jority of its inmates stood knee-deep in cold water fornearly forty-eight hours be- 
fore they were allowed to float in cordwood from which they could build up 
" cob houses " and on them keep themselves above the water. More than one- 
third of all the prisoners confined in this prison during the winter of 1864-65 were 
lost by the explosion of the Sultana near Memphis in the summer of 1865, and 
another third who survived the prison flood and the Sultana explosion died within 
a year from their prievous hardships. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 317 

Returning home with shattered health at the close of the war, the subject of 
this sketch entered the University of Michigan in the autumn of 1865, and grad- 
uated therefrom three years later, and in 1871 gradual ed from a medical college 
in New York, spending a few months in Europe the same year. 

In the winter of 1871-72 Dr. Hawes returned to the United States and lo- 
cated at Greeley, Colo., where he has been a prominent figure in the profession of 
the State. He was appointed a member of the first board of medical examiners 
and remained six years, two years as its President. In 1885 was President of the 
State Medical Society, and in 1887 was appointed a lecturer in the Medical De- 
partment of the State University, but later was compelled to decline the position 
on account of his laborious practice. For the last five years he has been Grand 
Medical Examiner for the United Workmen in Colorado, New Mexico and 
Arizona. 

Fortune has smiled on Dr. Hawes, giving him a lucrative practice, an ele- 
gant and hospitable home always open to his friends and old comrades. 

In 1874 he was married to a lady in Geneseo, Miss Clemis S. Rockwell, who 
for a short time was a teacher in that city, and has one child, a daughter. His 
address is Greeley, Colo. 

SKETCH OF DWIGHT L. TALCOTT. 

Dwight L. Talcott was born at Rockton, 111., July 24, 1846; enlisted in Com- 
pany I, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, at the age of seventeen, January 5, 1864, at Bel- 
videre, 111. He left a lucrative position to enter the Union army, served faithfully 
and with distinction, never hesitating in his loyalty to his country, and nearly per- 
ished in Andersonville Prison. 

Comrade Talcott was on detached duty a large portion of the time. Captain 
Jeuner remarked at the first reunion held by the Ninth: " We soon found he was 
a man we could count on every time." Talcott used to say that poor soldiers had 
one advantage over the good soldiers, for whenever there w T as a detail of picked 
men or any special duty to do they were excused. 

At Hurricane Creek, Miss., while loading his gun in the thickest of the fight, 
a rebel bullet struck the gun-stock, throwing it some ten feet away. 

At the battle of Campbellsville, Tenn. , November 24, 1864, he was taken pris- 
oner by the enemy (with a number of others), and was sent to Andersonville 
prison (that hell on earth) weighing a hundred and sixty pounds, where he suf- 
fered his full share of all the torments inflicted upon the Union men confined 
there, and where his health was broken to that extent that he has never been a 
well man since. He was sent to St. Louis, Mo., March 30, 1865, and when taken 
from Jefferson Barracks hospital April 13, 1865, his weight was seventy-five 
pounds, a mere skeleton. He was mustered out of the service June 3, 1865, as a 
prisoner of war. 

After the war he removed to the West, where he has filled many positions of 
honor and trust. On account of poor health caused by prison life, he relinquished 
mercantile pursuits, and for the past eighteen years has followed farming, out- 
door exercise being more conducive to his health. He resides in Warren town- 
ship, Clark county, Dak. (1888). His postoffice address is Coral, Spink county, 
Dak. 



318 HISTORY OF THE 

SKETCH OF ALLEN C. SELLECK. 

Allen C. Selleck was born in Prescott, Canada, in 1843, and on attaining bis 
majority came to Cbicago in July, 1864, where be remained until March 14, 
1865, when he enlisted in Company K, of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, serving 
faithfully in the toils incident to cavalry service in the last year of the war. He 
joined the regiment at Eastport, Miss., and while the command was on a very 
small allowance of corn meal for rations, bore his part manfully. He was with 
the regiment on their hard march through from Easport, Iuka, Decatur, and on 
to Selma and Montgomery, and then to Gainesville, always ready to perform all 
in the line of duty as a good soldier. 

After his muster-out, October 31, 1865, with the regiment at Selma, Ala., he 
returned to Chicago, 111., and engaged in the hardware business, and has been 
a successful merchant for many years. 

The subject of this sketch was married October 1, 1867, at Prescolt, Canada, 
to Miss Eliza Anna Fletcher, and has three children— Arthur Fletcher, Mary 
Alice and Charles Herbert. 

He was greatly prostrated in February,. 1885, by the loss of his idolized wife, 
who was a woman of fine literary ability. 

He was again married, June 14, 1887, to Miss'Louisa R. Ream, a most estimable 
woman, who has been a faithful and kind mother to his children. 

His address is where he has made his home for nearly twenty years, No. 45 
Seeley avenue, Chicago. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY I. 

Sergeant Plumer F. Robinson enlisted from Flora, September 12, 1861; 
discharged November 17, 1862. 

Sergeant William N. Tyler enlisted from Flora, September 12,1861; dis- 
charged September 20, 1862. 

Corporal Milton Orton, enlisted from Flora, September 12, 1861; mustered 
out October 31, 1864; address, Sycamore, 111. 

Corporal Lyman L. Shattuck enlisted from Spring, September 12, 1861; pro- 
moted Sergeant; discharged October 23, 1862. 

Corporal Frederick E. Hubbell enlisted at Belvidere, September 12, 1861; 
veteran; promoted First Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; address, 
Rockford, 111. 

Bugler Daniel R. Bemer enlisted from Bonus, October 9, 1861; rejected Jan- 
uary 19, 1862. 

Bugler Edward P. Lander enlisted from Spring, September 12, 1861; dis- 
charged December 9, 1862; address, Belvidere. 111. 

Farrier Alfred S. Willis enlisted from Kingston, September 28, 1861 ; pro- 
moted Blacksmith. 

Delos Albright enlisted at Belvidere, September 12, 1861; promoted Corporal; 
died on hospital boat near St. Louis October 1, 1862. 

Henry Adams enlisted at Geneseo, October 9, 1861; mustered out October 31, 
1864. 

Eli Atkinson enlisted from Spring, September 12, 1861; died at Helena, Ark., 
August 17, 1862. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 319 

John N. Cooley enlisted from Spring Green, Wis., September 12, 1861; died 
at Keokuk, October 20, 1862. 

Jerrus K. Cates enlisted from Belvidere, September 20, 1861; discharged 
August 28, 1862. 

Charles Countryman enlisted from Monroe, September 28, 1861; discharged 
January 29, 1862. 

Leonard H. Cornwall enlisted from Novi, Mich., September 14, 1861; mus- 
tered out September 22, 1864. 

George W. Carlisle enlisted from Chicago, October 22, 1861; discharged De- 
cember 8, 1863. 

Putnam DeWolf enlisted from Spring, September 28, 1861; discharged Sep- 
tember 19, 1862, as Farrier. 

Joel C. Fox enlisted from Spring, September 12, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; deserted September 29, 1865. 

Robert Furgeson enlisted from Bonus, September 16, 1861; discharged De- 
cember 9, 1864; address, Bonus, 111. 

John H. Ferris enlisted from Marion, October 12, 1861. 

Henry Folmer enlisted from Chicago, October 22, 1861. 

Cornelius Fogerty enlisted from Geneseo, October 12, 1861; died at Keokuk, 
November 17, 1862. 

David D. Gilbert enlisted from Caledonia, September 12, 1861; rejected 
January 24, 1862, 

Arthur Gorman enlisted from Kingston, September 14, 1861; promoted Ser- 
geant; mustered out December 9, 1864; address, New Milford, 111. 

Theodore W. Graves enlisted from Flora, September 12, 1861. 

Byron Hawes enlisted from Flora, September 23, 1861; mustered out Novem- 
ber 2, 1864 

Joseph D. Hadley enlisted from Galesburg, October 17, 1861 ; rejected No- 
vember 10, 1861. 

Charles Keator enlisted from Flora, October 3, 1861. 

Simon Keator enlisted from Flora, October 9, 1861; address, Winthrop, Dak. 

Lorenzo King enlisted from Belvidere, October 8, 1861; discharged Septem- 
ber 29, 186-. 

Miles Kensley enlisted from Chicago, October 22, 1861. 

Alonzo Linderman enlisted from Leroy, October 1, 1861; discharged October 
30, 1862. 

Charles Locke enlisted from Caledonia, October 9, 1861; discharged May 29, 
1862; returned to Company. 

Alfred H. Laland enlisted from Geneseo, October 14, 1861; discharged No- 
vember 13, 1862. 

Henry Lansing enlisted from Thornton, October 22, 1861; discharged April 
15, 1862. 

Chauncey F. Ludden enlisted from Bonus, October 23, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Company Quartermaster Sergeant; died December 22, 1864, of wounds. 

William Montgomery enlisted from Flora, September 12, 1861; veteran; de- 
serted September 1, 1865. 

Samuel J. Morgan enlisted from Manchester, September 12, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 



320 HISTORY OF THE 

John Morgan enlisted September 27, 1861; deserted December 6, 1861. 

Newell Morse enlisted at Belvidere, September 14, 1861; died St. Louis, Mo., 
October 26, 1862. 

John Marshall enlisted from LcRroy, October 1, 1861; address Aurora, 111. 

Henry C. May bee enlisted at Geneseo, October 17, 1861; discharged Decem- 
ber 9, 1864. 

Frank Maybee enlisted at Geneseo, October 17, 1861; mustered out October 
31, 1864. 

James B. McKay enlisted at Chicago, October 22, 1861; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1864; returned to Chicago, entered actively into contracting arid building, 
in which business he is now successfully engaged; now residing at No. 291 
Marshfield avenue, Chicago. 

Alfred McDade enlisted at Belvidere, September 14, 1861; veteran; died 
about July 1, 1865, in rebel prison at Okalona, Miss. 

Patrick Murray enlisted at Geneseo, October 14, 1861. 

Benjamin Nelson enlisted at Rock Island, September 19, 1861; rejected Janu- 
ary 29, 1862. 

James B. Patten enlisted from Kingston, September 28, 1861; discharged 
December 9, 1861. 

Ephriam Peal enlisted at Geneseo, October 17, 1861; discharged December 9, 

1861. 

Frederick Robinson enlisted from Flora, September 12, 1861; died at Helena, 
Ark., September 1, 1862. 

Joseph B. Reed enlisted from Cherry Valley, October 9, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 1864. 

James O. Rosekranz enlisted at Belvidere, October 9, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 1864; address, Garden Prairie, 111. 

Jacob D. Rosekranz enlisted from Bonus, October 16, 1861; discharged 
October 11, 1862; address, Garden Prairie, 111. 

Thomas Razor enlisted at Geneseo, October 18, 1861; prisoner of war; mus- 
tered out February 13, 1865; address, Independence, Kan. 

Gustavus Rogers enlisted at Geneseo, October 18, 1861; discharged Decem- 
ber 9, 1861. 

Miles H. Strong enlisted from Monroe, September 12, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant; address, Slide, Humboldt county, Cal. 

Henry II. Sweet enlisted from Thornton, September 12, 1861; discharged 
December 9, 1864. 

Isaiah Sweet enlisted from Thornton, September 12, 1861; discharged Septem- 
ber 9, 1864. 

Sylvester Storm enlisted at Belvidere, September 12, 1861; died at Reeve's 
Station, Mo., August 2, 1862. 

Alanson Sissor enlisted from Morgan, Ind., Octocer 17, 1861; discharged 
April 3, 1862. 

Havilla Strong enlisted from Bonus, October 23, 1861. 

Charles Smith enlisted at Chicago, October 23, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Winfield S. Thorne enlisted from Flora, September, 17, 1861; discharged Sep- 
tember 19, 1862. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 321 

Samuel H. Tyler enlisted from Flora; September 12, 1861; rejected Novem- 
ber 28, 1862. 

Joseph M. Thomas enlisted from Spring, September 12, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 1864; address Wahoo, Neb, 

Orsen A. Turner enlisted from Spring, October 15, 1861; discharged Novem- 
ber 24, 1865. 

Judson W. Tibbets enlisted from Ponus, October 16, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 1864; now connected with the Parmalee Omnibus Line; address, 132 
Adams street, Chicago. 

William N. Tibbets enlisted from Kingston, October 23, 1861; discharged 
August 28, 1862; address, Stockville, Neb. 

Barnett Vite enlisted from Spring, September 12, 1861; died at Helena, Ark., 
September 18. 1862. 

Gilbert Williams enlisted at Belvidere, September 12, 1861. 

Smith Wixon enlisted at Belvidere, September 16, 1861; discharged Decem- 
ber 9, 1864; address Garden Plain, 111. 

John Walsh enlisted from Spring, September 14, 1861; died at Helena, Ark., 
September 27, 1862. 

John N. Woodward enlisted from Flora, October 9, 1861; discharged Jan- 
uary 8, 1863. 

Samuel P. Webb enlisted from Morgan, Ind., October 17, 1861; discharged 
May 20, 1862. 

Perry M. Willis enlisted at Galesburg, October 19, 1861; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Thomas Ward enlisted at Rock Island, September 14, 1861: discharged Octo- 
ber 22, 1864. "Thomas Ward, Company I, Captain Harper." 

William S. Wilson enlisted at Chicago, September 25, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865 as Corporal. 

Allison Wright enlisted from Marion October 23, 1861; veteran; promoted 
First Sergeant; deserted September 29, 1865. 

Edward R. Young enlisted from Riverton, Iowa, September 20, 1861; veteran; 
deserted September 29, 1865. 

RECRUITS. 

Clark C. Austin enlisted from Spring, January 4, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865 as Corporal. 

Robert Atkinson enlisted from Cherry Valley, March 1, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Oak Park, 111. 

Thomas Anderson enlisted at Chicago, January 14, 1864; discharged Novem 
ber 22, 1865, for disability. 

Harmon W. Austin enlisted from Spring, October 3, 1864; mustered out 
October 13, 1865. 

Sardius L. Adams enlisted from Spring, October 3, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Benjamin F. Ayers enlisted from Flora, September 29, 1864; mustered out 
June 15, 1865. 

J. Arligan. 

21 



322 HISTORY OF THE 

Lucius F. Bristol enlisted from Le Roy, January 4. 1864; mustered oul Octo- 
ber SI, 1865; Bugler; address, Shell Rock, Iowa. 

Herman Boshe enlisted from Lyons, February 8, 1865; music red out October 

81, 1865. 

Thomas J. Brown enlisted from Virgil, March 1, 1865; mustered out October 

31. isi;:.. 

Conrad Bristle enlisted from Lysander, February 27, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; now a resident of Ajgyle Park, 111., where he is successfully 
engaged in vegetable gardening for Chicago market. 

John S. Baxter enlisted from Spring, February 4, 1^64: mustered out July 
25, 1865. 

Austin r>. Bailey enlisted from Spring, October :!. 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 13, 1865. 

Ebenezer Butterfield enlisted from Roscoe, September 2!). 1864; mustered out 
June 15, 1865. 

George F. Hates enlisted from Roscoe, September 29, 1864; mustered out June 
15, 18ti5. 

Caleb N. Brown enlistedfrom Spring, October 3, 1864; died at Louisville, 
Ky.. March 19, 1865. 

Isaac T. Butcher enlisted from Flora, March 3. 1865: died at Cairo, March 
24. 1865. 

Edwin H. Branch enlisted at Belvidere, February 9, 1H54; killed at Pontotoc, 
Miss., July 12, 1864. 

Neil Brown enlisted from Bloomington, February 2, 1865; deserted August 
9. 1865. 

Michael Curtis enlisted al Belvidere, November 25, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant. 

.lames A. Comstock enlistedfrom Bonus, November 25, 1861. 

William Carpenter enlisted from Chicago, March 18, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; residence, Kansas City, Kan. 

Jacob Casper tor Kasper) enlisted at Chicago, February 4, 1865: mustered 
out October 31. 1865. 

Joseph Cline enlisted from Spring, January 16, 1864: mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William C. Chrystal enlisted from Virgil, March 1, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31. 1865; address. Eagle Point. "Wis. 

John S. Claflin enlisted from Dunham, March 1, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

II. Chroder (or Shroder) enlisted at Chicago, April 7, 1864: mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George Curtis enlisted from Spring, February 8, 1864: died at Louisville, 
Ky., January 10, 1S65, of wounds. 

Robert DeWolf enlisted at Chicago. January 15, 1862. 

Cooper Dunn enlisted from Bloomington, February 2, 1865; mustered out 
June 22, 1865. 

J. Dobesch (or Du Bois) enlisted at Chicago, October 4. 1864; mustered out 
October 13, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 323 

Peter Duklin enlisted at Kewanee, January 1, 1864; died about December, 1864. 

Joseph Eriacber enlisted at Chicago, February 3, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865, as blacksmith. 

George Fox enlisted from Spring, January 16, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address, Box 3114, Joliet, 111. 

Michael Farl (or Farland) enlisted at Chicago, January 15, 1864; discharged 
Julyl, 1865, for disability. 

Washington I. Fox enlisted from Boone, September 28, 1864; mustered out 
June 15, 1865; address, Capron, 111. 

Alexander Field enlisted from Clarion, February 1, 1865; deserted March 27, 
1865. 

Peter Franklin. 

William Gill enlisted from Berlin, February 1, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William Gray enlisted from Victoria, February 1, 1864; died at Eastport, 
Miss., February 10, 1865. 

Frank C. Hayes enlisted from Homer, December 1, 1862; promoted to Ser- 
geant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John Hart enlisted at Chicago, April 3, 1865; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Samuel Hersel enlisted from Berlin, February 1, 1865; musted out October 
31, 1865. 

John D. Hedglin enlisted from Spring, December 28, 1863; mustered out Oc- 
tober 31, 1865. 

Garvin Hamilton enlisted at Chicago, February 16, 1865; mustered out Oc- 
tober 31, 1865; address, Dunseith, Dak. 

John D. Hitchcock enlisted from Lysander, February 27, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William Hartshorn enlisted from Wauconda, March 3, 1865; mustered out 
September 25, 1865. 

Martin Hare enlisted frcm Flora, September 29, 1864; mustered out June 15, 
1865. 

Frank Heiselman enlisted from Chicago, February 9, 1865; mustered out 
May 29, 1865. 

Samuel House enlisted from Wauconda, March 3, 1865; died at Eastport, 
Miss., May 29, 1865. 

Horatio B. Hesse enlisted from Rockton, January 5, 1864; killed at Camp- 
bellsville, Tenn., November 24, 1864. 

Isaiah Hughes enlisted from Berlin, February 1, 1865; deserted September 29, 
1865. 

Jeremiah A. Jacobs enlisted from Belvidere, November 25, 1861; discharged 
August 21, 1862, for disability. 

William F. Jackson enlisted at Belvidere, March 3, 1865; deserted September 
29, 1865. 

John Keefe enlisted from Le Roy, January 8, 1864; mustered out October 31, 
1865, as Corporal; address, Fairmont, Neb. 

Jacob Kashkushka enlisted from Chicago, October 3, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 



324 HISTORY OF THE 

Erastus B. Little enlisted from Belvidere, January 5, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Corporal; address, Kingston, 111. 

George Sazag enlisted from Belvidere, January 2, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1864, as Bugler. 

Benedict Lambseber enlisted from Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out 
October 31. 1865. 

Eugene S. Lowe enlisted from Flora, January 10, 1864; deserted December 
29, 1865. 

H. Ii. E. Longfield enlisted at Belvidere, March 8, 1864; deserted December 
29, 1865. 

Frank M. Mordoff enlisted Belvidere, November 25, 1861; died at Cairo, 111., 
October 20, 1862. 

James F. Morrison enlisted at Berlin, February 1, 1865 ; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

William G. Millen enlisted from Berlin, February 1, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Joseph Malson enlisted from Bloomington, Februarj T 2, 1685; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Maginnis enlisted from Rockton, March 7, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John McGrath enlisted from Worth, January 21, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Frank McCudden enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Alexander Marver enlisted from Spring, February 11, 1864; died at Nash- 
ville, January 29, 1865. 

George Miner enlisted from Flora, September 29, 1864; died at Jeffersonville, 
Ind., April 5, 1865. 

Stephen Malory enlisted at Belvidere, April 1, 1864; killed at Campbellsville, 
Tenn., November 24, 1864. 

Thomas J. Mclntyre enlisted at Chicago, February 16, 1865 ; deserted Au- 
gust 5, 1865. 

Thomas McBride enlisted from La Moille, February 1, 1865; deserted March 
27, 1865. 

David B. Monroe enlisted from Harlem, January 4, 1864; died at St. Louis, 
Mo. 

Jacob D. Olney enlisted at Belvidere, February 9, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
bee 31, 1865 as Corporal. 

Robert Peters enlisted at Manchester, November 8, 1861; killed at Camp- 
bellsville, November 24, 1864. 

Thomas Prindiville enlisted at Belvidere, April 1, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Daniel Potter enlisted at Chicago, February 16, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

James Pemberton enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Fritz Preston enlisted at Chicago, March 18, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 




Jesse Hawks, M. I>., Greeley, Col. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 325 

Albert G. Painter enlisted at Chicago, October 31, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Thomas Quinlan enlisted at Chicago, January 14, 1864; deserted May, 4, 
1865. 

J. D. Rosekranz enlisted from Garden Prairie, January 2, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Sergeant: address, Garden Prairie, 111. 

Willis W. Razor enlisted at Chicago, March 31, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John E. Raridan enlisted from Belvidere, March 31, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William W. Ross enlisted from Bloomington, February 2, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Peter E. Rosekranz enlisted from Garden Prairie, December 30, I860; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865; address, Manchester, Iowa. 

Edward Reilly. 

Frederick G. Reusch enlisted April '4 1865, at Chicago; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; address, Hansen, Wis. 

Lewis Rickey enlisted from St. Ann, March 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Sanford Robinson enlisted at Chicago, March 30, 1865; mustered out October 
6, 1865. 

Andrew Raymond enlisted at Belvidere, February 9, 1864; died at Belvidere 
April 24, 1864. 

Dudley P. (or S.) Strong enlisted from St. Louis, February 23, 1862; veteran. 

Havilla B. Strong enlisted from Garden Prairie. December 28, 1863; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as company Quartermaster-Sergeant. 

George M. Shattuck enlisted from Spring, January 3, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Charles Shuler enlisted from Chicago February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Russell Sheppard eidisted from Spring, January 3, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Squire Summers enlisted from Chicago, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, 274 Morgan street, Chicago. 

George Simkins enlisted from Spring, February 15, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Matthies Skoblik enlisted from Chicago, October 1, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31. 1865. 

Thomas Strong enlisted from Garden Prairie, December 28, 1863; ditd at 
Gravelly Springs, February 5, 1865. 

Frank Shafer enlisted from Spring, January 30, 1864; died at Memphis, 
Tenn., August 1, 1864. 

William Stebbins enlisted from Chicago, March 19, 1864; died at Memphis, 
Tenn. 

Murry A. Shattuck enlisted from Spring, January 12, 1864; deserted\Septem- 
ber 29, 1865. 

William T. Tibbetts enlisted from Belvidere, November 10, 1861; address, 
East Saginaw, Mich. 



326 HISTORY OF THE 

William J. Teas enlisted from Chicago, January 16, 1862; veteran; promoted 
Sergeant; killed at Campbellsville, Term., November 24, 1865. 
William Thompson enlisted May 18, 1863. 

Lagrange Tiffany enlisted from Le Roy, February 4, 1864; mustered o\it 
October 31, 1860, as Sergeant; address, Clarence, Iowa. 

William E. Turner enlisted at Belvidere, March 28, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal; now residing at Harlem, 111. 

Charles Tibbetts enlisted at Belvidere, January 2, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address, St. Joseph, Mo. 

Frank L. Tracy enlisted from Spring, January 25, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; absent, sick. 

Henry L. Taylor enlisted from Dover, March 3, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; present residence, Dover, 111. 

Joseph M. Thomas enlisted from Cherry Valley, March 1, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Wahoo, Neb. 

Alfred H. Tobleman enlisted at Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Almon C. Turner enlisted from Harlem, January 4, 1864; mustered out Sep- 
tember 15, 1865; address Grand River, Iowa. 

John Tipping enlisted at Chicago, March 5, 1864; prisoner of war; mustered 
out July 8, 1865. 

Orson A.Turner enlisted from Spring March 16, 1864; died at Nash ville,Tenn., 
December 25, 1864. 

James Tipping enlisted at Chicago, December 31, 1863; deserted December 
29, 1865. 

Henry Vollmer discharged November 26, 1862. 

Alva B.Van Dyke enlisted from LeRoy, January 4, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as company Quartermaster-Sergeant; address, Liberty, Kan. 

Solomon R. Ward enlisted from Berlin, February 1, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Joseph Wells enlisted from Berlin, February 1, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Nicholas P. Westmau enlisted from Niles March 30, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Edward White enlisted at Chicago, April 7, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865; address, Modena, Wis. 

Roby M. Wilde enlisted at Belvidere, April 1, 1864; discharged by order of 
Secretary of War, July 25, 1864, for disability; address (1888), 472 Madison street, 
Chicago. 

Samuel D. Whitney enlisted from Spring, October 3, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Kingston, 111. 

Robert Wilson enlisted at Belvidere, January 5, 1864; discharged April 18, 
1865, for disability; address, Belvidere, 111. 

COMPANY K. 

Company K, Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, recruited in 
Princeton, Bureau county, 111., and surrounding country, was 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 327 

gathered b) r those who became its officers (but not at the first 
entirely), and was mustered into the service October 26, 1861. 

The first commissioned officers were Captain Solomon A. 
Paddock, First Lieutenant Charles S. Cameron, Second Lieuten- 
ant William McMannis. 

This company was an exceptionally fine body of men and 
their record during the whole term of service was one to be proud 
of. In the early field service of the regiment, Company K was 
stationed at Patterson, Mo., and there performed excellent patrol- P 
ling service, and later rejoined the regiment in the latter part of 
May at Jacksonport, Ark., and in the fight on June 12, 1862, this 
company, being in the advance, suffered the most having twelve 
men wounded. From this time on until their final muster out 
Company K was one of the reliables, always well managed, 
promptly and gallantly performing every duty devolving upon 
them. A large part of the company in March, 1861, became vet- 
erans, and under a new set of officers fully maintained the splen- 
did reputation they had so nobly won. 

They mustered originally eighty-eight men, and the total 
number borne on their muster roll was two hundred and three. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN CAMERON. 

Charles S. Cameron entered the service as First Lieutenant of Company K, 
Ninth Illinois Cavalry. On the promotion of Captain Paddock he was commis- 
sioned Captain, remaining in the service until December 31, 1863, when he 
was discharged. 

Among the most distinguished incidents of Captain Cameron's military 
career may be noted the fight at the Waddell farm, June 12, 1862, where the Cap- 
tain, while leading his "gallant heroes of Company K," was unhorsed. Again, 
at the battle of Moscow, Tenn., December 4, 1863, Captain Cameron, being the 
senior captain on duty, was in command of the regiment, and made a gallant 
fight on the enemy across Wolf river, who were finally discomfited and driven 
back. 

After leaving the service Captain Cameron engaged in the political arena in 
the South for awhile, after which he returned to Chicago, where he has been for 
many years engaged in the practice of his profession and the politics of the day. 

His present address is Chicago, 111. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN SPINNEY. 

Josepn O. H. Spinney enlisted from Bradford, October 14, 1861, in Company 
K. of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

January 1, 1864, he re-enlisted as a veteran and was appointed Sergeant, and 



328 HISTORY OF THE 

later was promoted First Sergeant of his company, in which position he served 
well and faithfully until he was again promoted to he First Lieutenant, September 
23, 1864. 

On the promotion of Captain Clark to a mayorship Lieutenant Spinney- 
received his commission as captain, remaining with the company until the final 
muster-out at Selma, Ala., Octoher 31, 1865. 

Captain Spinney was one of the true and tried, who by his bravery and fine 
soldierly qualities won las way upward, and also gained the respect and esteem 
of both officers and men. 

His genial, hearty speech and manner made him a general favorite. 
1} His address, May, 1888, is Massena, Iowa. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT PRICKETT. 

Oliver T. Prickett joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry in the spring of 1865, 
bringing with him quite a number of recruits, which were absorbed in Company 
K, of which Prickett was made Second Lieiitenant May 5, and was promoted First 
Lieutenant May 10, 1865; remained with the regiment until the final muster-out 
at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT WOODWORTH. 

Frank Woodworth enlisted at Bloomingdale, September 5, 1861, and joining 
Company K was made Corporal, re-enlisted as a veteran, January 1, 1864; was 
made First Sergeant and served in that position until May 10, 1865; when he was 
commissioned Second Lieutenant, and was with the company and regiment in 
faithful, good soldierly service during a period of over four years. In all the en- 
gagements of his company he gallantly bore himself so as to win the respect 
of all. 

His present address is Chicago, 111. 

JOHN R. WILDER 

enlisted from Truro, 111., October 18, 1861, in Company K, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, 
and served with his company faithfully as a good soldier until the expiration of 
his term of service, and was mustered out October 31, 1864. 

Comrade Wilder was one of the best soldiers in the Ninth, and with his com- 
rades of Company K, was always to be relied upon to do bravely and well all 
soldierly duties. 

At the spirited fight, at the Waddell farm, where Company K, had twelve 
men wounded, J. R. Wilder received a painful though not dangerous shot from 
the rebels, but was soon ready for duty again, and remained with us till the fall 
of 1864, then returning to Illinois. He has of late years made his home in Knox- 
ville, where he is still successfully engaged as a merchant in that city, an honored 
and esteemed citizen. 

VOLNEY S. WILKINSON 

enlisted at Buda, 111., October 28, 1861, in Company K, of the Ninth, and re-en- 
listed as a veteran, January 1, 1864, when he was promoted Sergeant of his 
company. 

He was in all the battles that the regiment were engaged in from 1861 to 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 329 

November 30, 1864, when at the battle of Franklin, Tenn., he received a severe 
wound in the arm, and was taken prisoner with his brother John C, who refused 
to leave him. He was taken to General Forrest, who treated him very kindly, 
and gave him a recommendation to General Loring, which secured a parole for 
both. General Loring made his headquarters at the house of N. B. Mathews, 
where the next day he paroled the brothers. 

Volney remained at the plantation two months, and then went to the hospital 
at Franklin, where the surgeon wanted to amputate his arm, but he would not 
consent and thereby saved his arm, then went to the hospital at Nashville, re- 
ceiving here a furlough, joining the regiment at Eastport, Miss., in June 1865, 
and was discharged for disability, Septembers, 1865. 

His present address is Duluth, Minn. Where he has been engaged 
successfully in business for many years. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY K. 

Sergeant George C. Stanley enlisted from Copley, October 2, 1861; musttred 
out October 31, 1864, as First Sergeant. 

Sergeant John Jameson enlisted at Princeton, September 20, 1861; veteran; 
deserted November 18, 1864. 

Sergeant Francis M. Lamper enlisted from Osceola, September 26, 1861 ; dis- 
charged July 22, 1862. 

Corporal Peter Halenback enlisted from Copley, September 19, 1861; pro- 
moted Sergeant; discharged June 1,1862. 

Corporal Thomas Crossley enlisted at Princeton, October 12, 1861- address, 
Princeton, 111. 

Corporal Edward Cameron enlisted from Indian Town September £0, 1861; 
died at Memphis, Tenn., March 24, 1864. 

Bugler Amherst W. Blake enlisted from Tiskilwa, October 19, 1861; dis- 
charged June 1, 1862. 

Bugler John Buss enlisted at Princeton, October 10, 1861; discharged July 
22; 1862; mustered out; roll says "died at Nashville, Tenn., June 1, 1865." 

Farrier Anson P. Fish enlisted from Dover, October 19, 1861; discharged 
July 22, 1862. f 

EliphaletG. Ball enlisted from Munson, October 24, 1861; discharged June 
1, 1862; died at Chicago, February, 1887. Re-enlisted in Company E, May 30, 
1864. (See Company E for record.) 

Isaac Bennett enlisted from Victoria September 19, 1861; died at Patterson, 
Mo., May 11, 1862. 

Alexander Bennett enlisted from Victoria, September 19, 1861; discharged 
June 1, 1862. 

Willis M. Brott enlisted from Victoria, October 2, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Bugler; transferred to Second United States Colored Artillery; died at Victoria, 
June 19, 1888. 

Alexander R. Brewster enlisted at Princeton, September 30, 1861; discharged 
June 1, 1862. 

Thomas Boyd enlisted from Galva, September 19, 1861; discharged Decem- 
ber, 1864. 



330 HISTORY OF THE 

William E. Borree enlisted from Half Moon, Wis., September 19, 1861; 
mustered out October 31, 1864. 

Ferdinand Bassett enlisted from Hamilton, September 20, 1861 ; discharged 
September 25, 1862. 

William R. Belcher eulisted from Truro, September 24, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 1864. 

Henry C. Brown enlisted at Princeton, October 18, 1861. 

William Boggs enlisted from Victoria, September 19, 1861; discharged June 
1, 1862. 

David Boggs enlisted from Victoria, October 21, 1861. 

Fowler Bryant enlisted from Bradford, October 17, 1861. 

Louis Bischoff enlisted October 25, 1861; transferred to Company L. 

Andrew J. Chalmers enlisted from Selby, September 20, 1861; discharged 
December 1, 1864. 

Denis Cahill enlisted from Indian Town, October 4, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Charles Crossley enlisted at Princeton, September 26, 1861. 

Charles Coon enlisted September 19, 1861. 

Joseph B. Chamberlain enlisted from Indian Town, October 5, 1861; dis- 
charged November 6, 1862. 

Samuel Christian enlisted from Indian Town, September 20, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865, as Bugler. 

James H. Dobbins enlisted at Princeton September 24, 1861. 

Peter H. Donnelly enlisted September 25, 1861; died at Chicago December 7, 
1861. 

Frank U. Doyle enlisted from Bradford, October 17, 1861; discharged De- 
cember, 1864. 

Wallace W. Forshey enlisted from Princton, October 15, 1861; discharged 
December, 1864. 

Erastus S. Foster enlisted from Victoria, October 12, 1861; veteran; died at 
Andersonville, June 17, 1865; grave 12,473. 

Thomas A. Foster enlisted from Bradford, October 17, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865, as Bugler; address, Bismarck, Dak. 

Wesley T. Foster enlisted from Bradford, October 19, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant; address, Bradford, 111. 

Francis H. Griswold enlisted from Osceola, October 5, 1861; promoted Cor- 
poral: died at Memphis, July 21, 1862. 

Wesley Hyke enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company L. 

Joseph Helmer enlisted from Leepertown, September 10. 1861, discharged 
September 25, 1862; address Breckenridge, Mo. 

William H. Hubbell enlisted from Victoria, September 19, 1861; discharged 
October 28, 1862. 

Oscar D. Herrick enlisted from Princeton, September 30, 1861, mustered out 
October 31, 1864. 

Francis M. Herrick enlisted from Princton, October 5, 1861. 

John S. Hayden enlisted from Bradford, October 15, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as First Sergeant. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 331 

Christopher Handley enlisted from Bradford, October 15, 1861. 

Albert H. Hannah enlisted from Geneseo, October 24, 1861. 

Samuel G. Jarvis enlisted from Victoria, October 5, 1861. 

Caleb Kimbler enlisted from Truro, October 8, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Caleb Kimber enlisted from Truro, October 8, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James Kelly enlisted from Milo, October 15, 1861; mustered out October 31, 
1864. 

Elisha A. Leech enlisted at Princeton, September 25, 1861; deserted October 
27, 1861. 

William S. Luce enlisted from Bradford, October 17, 1861; discharged 
December 1, 1864. 

JohnMcNulty enlisted at Geneseo, October 26, 1861; discharged June 1, 1862. 

Thomas McMahon enlisted at Princeton. October 7, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; address, Galva, 111. 

Richard Mallory enlisted from La Moille, September 27, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Philip Moak enlisted at Victoria, October 13, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Isaac Moon enlisted from Bradford, October 15, 1861; discharged December, 
1864. 

W. W. Murray enlisted from Nebraska, October 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant; address, Shell Rock, Iowa. 

Joseph McKay enlisted October 24, 1861; transferred to Company L. 

William B. Olmstead enlisted from Victoria, September 19, 1861; died at St. 
Louis, Mo., November 3, 1862. 

John R Olmstead enlisted from Victoria, September 19, 1861; discharged 
June 1, 1862; address, St. Mary's, Dak. 

Willard Osgood enlisted from Truro, October 8, 1861; mustered out October 
31, 1864; address, Tecumseh, Neb. 

John O'Keefe enlisted from Indian Town, September 30, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 1864. 

Charles B. Paddock enlisted from Princeton, October 12, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; captured at Guntown, Miss. , June 10, 1864, and died in the hands 
of the enemy. 

Martin Powers enlisted from Concord, September 30, 1861; discharged Octo- 
ber 26, 1862. 

William Roop enlisted from Farmington, October 6, 1861; discbarged Decem- 
ber, 1864. 

James M. Stanley enlisted from Victoria, September 19, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant; present address, Ft. 
Scott, Kan. 

Guy H. Smith enlisted from Bureau county, September 20, 1861; mustered 
out October 31, 1864. 

Whitney F. Strong enlisted from Truro, September 19, 1861; died at Patter- 
son, Mo., August 9, 1862. 



332 HISTORY OF THE 

Stephen F. Sager enlisted from Truro, September 19, 1861; mustered out 
October 31, 18G4. 

Samuel Stafford enlisted from Rio, September 18, 1861; veteran; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Wagoner; address, Rio, 111. 

Wilson S. Stinson enlisted from Concord, October 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant. 

James Sherlock enlisted October 15, 1861; veteran; mustered out October 31, 
1865, as Corporal. 

Herman D. Sturmis enlisted from Osceola, October 15, 1861. 

Henry D. Tabor enlisted from Hastings, October25, 1861; veteran; discharged 
September 28, 1865, for disability; address Walton, Mich. 

Nelson Ward enlisted from Yorkton, September 25, 1861; mustered out May 
9, 1865; prisoner of war. 

Jacob Wayman enlisted from Victoria, September 19, 1861; discharged 
November 24, 1862. 

Bradley A. Wilmot enlisted from Sparta, September 20, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant; address, Tina, Mo. 

Joseph C. West enlisted from Concord, September 26, 1861; died at St. Louis, 
November 15, 1862. 

Clark West enlisted from Buda, October 7, 1861; discharged October 27, 
1861. 

John R. Wilder enlisted from Truro, October 18, 1861; mustered out October 
31, 1864; address, Knoxville, 111. 

John A. Wifoat enlisted from Munson, September, 14, 1861; discharged 
June 1, 1862. 

RECRUITS. 

George W. Anderson enlisted at Chicago, Februarj 7 18, 1864; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865; was for many years in government and municipal em- 
ploy. 

Jeremiah Agarty enlisted at Chicago, March 15, 1865; died at Eastport, 
Miss., May 15, 1865. 

Lorenzo Blackwood enlisted from Altona, January 23, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Isaac Bruner enlisted at Kewanee, April 24, 1864; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Herman Brown enlisted from Flora, January 18, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Samuel P. Bowers enlisted from Lake View, February 18, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

David Battie enlisted from Girard, February 18, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Allen Bruster enlisted from Sandy, February 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Christopher C. Bell enlisted from Gillespie, February 21, 1865; absent, sick, 
at muster out of regiment. 

Abel Butler enlisted from Funk's Grove, February 14, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 333 

Miles J. Brooks enlisted from Concord, April 12, 1865; mustered out October 

81, 1865. 

Franklin Baker enlisted from Carbondale, March, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Benjamin Batts enlisted from Chicago, March 22, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

James L. Bannister enlisted from Chicago, March 21, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Frauds Binz enlisted from Chicago April 12, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865; engaged in business in Chicago for many years; now residing at 329 S. 
Morgan street, Chicago. 

William M. Boggs enlisted April 11, 1865, from Chicago, mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; has been for many years in the employ of the C. R. I. & P. Ry; 
present address, 2506 St. Lawrence avenue, Chicago. 

George Buck enlisted from Chicago, April 10, 1865, absent, sick, at muster 
out of regiment. 

Albert Bruster enlisted from Indian Creek, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Alvah D. Bishop enlisted from Chicago, March 7, 1865; deserted August 6, 
1865. 

Charles P. Counselman enlisted from Centre October 28, 1861; discharged 
June 1, 1862. 

Henry E. Colburn enlisted from Walnut, January 11, 1862. 

Hibbin S. Corbin enlisted from La Salle county, July 22, 1862. 

Chauncy Creppen enlisted from Sweetwater, February 14, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John H. Caldwell enlisted at Chicago, February 20, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

John H.Clinton enlisted from Indian Creek, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Willis Cheatham enlisted from Rock Creek, February 15, 1865. 

Thomas Cooley enlisted at Chicago, February 18, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Albert A. Decreet enlisted at Chicago, February 16, 1862; discharged March 
1, 1865; address, Hastings, Neb., box 1,001. 

Morris Doody enlisted at Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Simeon Davis enlisted from Galva, January 23, 1865; deserted. 

William Garl enlisted at Princeton, November 28, 1861; discharged April 3, 
1862. 

Augustus Frizel enlisted at Chicago, December 23, 1861 ; discharged June 
15, 1862. 

Samuel H. Fitch enlisted at Chicago, October 31, 1861; transferred to Tenth 
Cavalry November 9, 1861. 

William Farnsworth enlisted at Chicago, February 15, 1862; veteran; mus- 
tered out October 31, 1865, as Bugler; address, Hegewisch, 111. 

John Fisher enlisted at Chicago, February 16, 1862. 



334 HISTORY OF THE 

William Fowler enlisted from Galva, January 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 81, 1865. 

Josiah Fowler enlisted from Rock Creek, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Daniel Farrell enlisted from Galva, January 23, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address Galva, 111. 

Stanton Field enlisted from Sweetwater, February 14, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Oliver C. Fulford enlisted from Fancy Creek, February 14, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Josepb Gonley enlisted from Spring, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Daniel Gill enlisted at Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Disney Garrett enlisted from Blue Mound, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Thomas Gullon enlisted at Chicago, March 9, 1864; deserted June 30, 1864. 

Charles Herman enlisted from Cicero, February 8, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John Hayes enlisted at Chicago, March 15, 1865; mustered out October 31, 

1865. 

James T. Hull enlisted from Barnett, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Edward Hatfield enlisted from Girard, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John L. Hatfield enlisted from Girard, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Alexander B. Hall enlisted from Barnett, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
May 31, 1865. 

Charles Johnson enlisted at Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address, Chicago. 

William Johnson. 

William Kewley enlisted from Galva, January 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Lewis Kuns enlisted at Chicago, February 21, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Humphrey C. Ketcham enlisted at Chicago, March 11, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; address, Christie, Wis. 

John G. Kibler enlisted at Chicago, April 8, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Charles Lynes enlisted from Victoria, November 25, 1861; deserted Decem- 
ber 15, 1861. 

John L. Leggitt enlisted from Henry county, March 6, 1862; discharged 
March 10, 1865; address, Lothrop, Iowa. 

George W. Lancigwoat enlisted from Cheney's Grove, February 15, 1865; 
mustered out October 31, 1865, as Blacksmith. 

John Lamb enlisted from Mosquito Grove, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 335 

James Layman enlisted from Rock Creek, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Francis M. Lamper enlisted at Chicago, March 29, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

James M. Lee enlisted at Indian Creek. February 15, 1865. 

Richard H. Lee enlisted from Girard, February 16, 1865; mustered out Sep- 
tember 16, 1865. 

Frank Marsh enlisted January 11, 1862; discharged; address, Plum Creek, 
Neb. 

William C. Minier enlisted at Chicago, March 14, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865, as Corporal. Has been in the employ of the State for many years as 
State Game Warden; address, 163 S. Clark street, Chicago. 

Henry McKibben enlisted from Bradford, March 28, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Patrick H. McBride enlisted from Rock Creek, February 15, 1864; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Lewis M. McBride enlisted from Indian Creek, February 15, 1864; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

John McBride enlisted from Cartwright, February 16, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Peter McAndrew enlisted at Chicago, February 9, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Martin McLaughlin enlisted at Chicago, February 18, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

DeWitt C. Miller enlisted at Geneseo, January 24, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Jesse Massa enlisted from Rock Creek, February 15, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William McKinney enlisted at Chicago, April 8, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Jefferson Martin enlisted from Mosquito Grove, February 15, 1864; deserted 
September 13, 1865. 

James W. Neale enlisted from Victoria, February 1, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as Corporal; now residing at Victoria, 111. 

William Neal enlisted at Chicago, March 15, 1864; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

James K. Pierce enlisted from Indian Creek, February 15, 1864; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Charles Peal enlisted at Geneseo, January 24, 1864; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

William C. Pullen enlisted from Arkansas, June 15, 1862; mustered out June 
9, 1865. 

John Porter enlisted from Indian Creek, February 14. 1865; deserted April 
14, 1865. 

William Ruckel enlisted from Chicago, February 20, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Henry Ritter enlisted from Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 31 
1865. 



336 HISTORY OF THE 

Albert II. Smith enlisted from Altona, November 25, 1861; discharged July 
22, 1862. 

Harvey P. Strong enlisted from Victoria, January 19, 1862. 

William M. Stevens enlisted from Chicago, March 2, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Samuel L. Shannon enlisted from Victoria, February 1, 1864; mustered out 
June 22, 1865; address, Victoria, 111. 

George Stephens enlisted from Sweetwater, February 14, 1864; died at Mound 
City, May 7, 1865. 

Wiley C. Sellers enlisted from Barnett, February 15, 1865; died at Eastport, 
April 5, 1865. 

Henry Simpson enlisted from Miles, January 25, 1865; deserted September 13, 

1865. 

Richard Toomey enlisted from Lemont, November 11, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Hugh Talty enlisted from Lemont, December 16, 1861; transferred to Twenty - 
third Illinois Infantry February 22, 1862. 

John H. Thorp enlisted from Lemont, March 6, 1862; discharged March 10, 
1865; address, Dana, 111. 

Jesse Turner enlisted from Buckeye, February 14, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Josiah Turner enlisted from Rock Creek, February 15, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

George Turner enlisted from Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

H. Thompson. 

Judson M. Waldo enlisted from Walnut, January 11, 1862; died at Anderson- 
ville prison, October 12, 1864.; grave 10756. 

Mark Walsh enlisted at Chicago, February 18, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Albert Walsh enlisted at Chicago, March 15, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Simon Worthing enlisted from Pilot, April 7, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Warren Walker enlisted from Rhoade's Point, February 22, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; address, South Bend, Kan. 

Charles Wilson enlisted at Chicago, April 10, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

John C. Wilkinson enlisted at Princeton, March 28, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Christopher Wagoner enlisted from Cicero, February 8, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

COMPANY L. 
Company L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers, was recruited 
from various parts of the State and the West, mostly from Chi- 
cago, and was mustered into the service November 11, 1861, with 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. . 337 

Xouis F. Booth, Captain; Charles T. Scammon, First Lieutenant, 
and "William E. Bailey, Seeond Lieutenant. 

The members of this company coming, as they did, from widely 
separate sections, their acquaintance and sympathies were not so 
close as that of many others, but for all that the members of 
Company L soon got to know each other well, and as a company 
performed all duties thoroughly and well, and gained the title of 
the " Fighting Company L. " 

Under the lead of their gallant and dashing Captain Booth for 
a period of three years, they did as much hard service as any 
company in the Ninth. They were placed on detached service at 
Patterson, Mo., but soon rejoined the regiment at Reeve's Station, 
and were constantly with the regiment in all its severe and ardu- 
ous campaigns, and at Shoal Creek, Tenn., November 19,1864, 
Company L, under command of the brave and gallant Captain 
Carpenter beat of a large body of rebels, inflicting a loss heavy 
loss on a force very largely superior in numbers. 

I^he company to a large extent re-enlisted in the Veteran 
organization in March, 1S64, and under a part new officers main- 
tained themselves as a brave and efficient company. 

The number at original muster was eighty-one, and the whole 
number borne on the rolls during their four years' service was two 
hundred and seven. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN BOOTH. 

Louis F. Booth joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry at Chicago, and was mus- 
tered into the service as Captain of Company L, November 11, 1861. 

Captain Booth was a man much in love with the profession he had chosen, 
and of pleasing address, he made friends of all. 

In the long time with which he remained with the Ninth he was ever active, a 
good soldier, a fine officer and a man popular with all. 

In the winter of 1862-63, at an election held by the commissioned officers of 
the Ninth, Captain Booth received the unanimous vote for a Majorship, at that 
time vacant in the regiment, but the rule of seniority prevailed, and the recom- 
mendation of the Colonel placed another gentleman in this position. 

At the end of his three years' service Captain Booth was mustered out. 
Returning to Chicago, he was actively engaged in business for a number of years, 
then removed to New York City. 

There has been a report of the death of Captain Booth, but it has never fully 
been confirnn d. 



338 HISTORY OF THE 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN CARPENTER. 

Captain John H. Carpenter was born January 23, 1840, in the city of Buffalo, 
N. Y., and came with his parents to Chicago, in 1843, and attended Dearborn and 
other public schools for a small portion of each year up to 1857, when he entered 
the preparatory school of Kenyon College, Ohio, and one year thereafter entered 
college. 

In the early summer of 1860 he had some trouble with the faculty, and left 
the institution, after which he attended the Chicago University, but, as the excite- 
ment about the presidential election ran high, he left college for good, and went 
to New Orleans in the fall of 1860, where he worked during the winter of 
1860-61. 

During all this time the war fever and secession ran high. Recruiting for 
the rebel army commenced, and Carpenter assisted in raising two companies, and 
was offered the position of Third Engineer on the ret. el cruiser " Sumter," by 
Commodore Simms. The first engineer was M. O'Brien. Up to the battle of Bull 
Run he had supposed serious trouble would be averted, but after that the indica- 
tions pointed so strongly to a struggle that he made up his mind to go North; so 
he started for home, August 15th, with the full determination of going into the 
army, and staying until the last rebel was whipped . 

He had great difficulty in passing Memphis, Tenn., but succeeded in getting a 
"pass" from the rebel General Polk. From Columbus, Ky., to Cairo, he, in 
company with two comrades worked their way up the river in a skiff , and was 
fired on by the Nineteenth Illinois Infantry from the Missouri shore, but arrived 
safely in Chicago, September 6th, and on the 19th enlisted in Company F; was 
transferred to Company K, and again to Company L; was Acting Sergeant, in 
charge of sick horses in Camp Douglas, under Lieutenant Perkins; was appointed 
Corporal in his company, and soon afterwards was promoted Sergeant-Major 
of the regiment. He was commissioned Adjutant with the rank of First Lieu- 
tenant, October 10, 1862, and held that position until September 29, 1864. He 
was placed in command of Company L in the summer of 1864, and was commis- 
sioned Captain of the same March 27, 1865, and was one of our brave, gallant, 
fighting officers, and one on whose good judgment his supeiior cffkeis could 
always rely. 

During the Shoal Creek campaign and at Campbellsville, where he was 
wounded, he gallantly led his company in the thickest of the fight, and won the 
commendation of his superior officers for efficiency and bravery in action. He 
never missed a day's duty while in the service. 

Captain Carpenter was mustered out at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865; return- 
ing to his home in Chicago, attended law school, and was admitted to the bar 
January 23, 1867, and a few years later elected to the city council, and served as 
Alderman for three years, with credit to himself and the constituency he repre- 
sented. 

He is still a resident of Chicago, where he is held in high esteem by many 
who know his sterling qualities of head, and the kindness of heart that he pos- 
sesses. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT BAILEY. 
"William E. Bailey joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry as Second Lieutenant of 




JDHN H, CARPENTER, 



Captain Com.pany L. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 339 

Company L November 11, 1861, and served with the regiment until the 9th of 
February, 1863. 

Lieutenant Bailey was a dashing cavalry officer, and distinguished himself 
mainly by falling in love with a very handsome young rebel lady, whom he mar- 
ried, and by whose persuasion he resigned his commission in the Union army; he 
settled on the "old plantation," where he was between two fires, as he was 
required by General Prentiss commanding to take the oath of allegiance if he 
came in our lines, and if be did so, the rebels said they would destroy all his prop- 
erty. 

His life there was not a pleasant one, and he came to Memphis, Tenn., but 
returned to Arkansas after the close of the war. 

In later years his health failed and he went to California, where he died in 
1887. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT GALLINO. 

Benjamin D. Gallino enlisted in Company L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Octo- 
ber 15, 1861, from Rapid City, served faithfully with his company and regiment 
tillJanuary 1, 1864, when he re-enlisted, and was appointed Sergeant, and again 
promoted to be First Sergeant of his company. He was commissioned Second 
Lieutenant June 20, 1864, and was promoted First Lieutenant, May 4th, follow- 
ing, and was with his company till July 14, 1865, but was not discharged from 
the service till November, 1865. 

He commanded at different times three companies — D, M and L. During th e 
Shoal Creek campaign he was in command of Company M, and at the battle of 
Nashville commanded forty dismounted men in the charge on the forts which 
the cavalry captured, and the next day, with his company mounted, was on the 
left flank, and pursued the enemy till they crossed the Tennessee River. He was 
a gallant, brave and faithful officer. His address now, 1888, is Pueblo, Colo. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT GILLISPIE. 

John N. Gillispie joined Company C, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, September 10, 
1861; transferred to and appointed Corporal of Company L; was again promoted 
to be First Sergeant, and was commissioned Second LieutenaLt, April 15, 1863. 
He served with his company faithfully till June 20, 1864, when he resigned. 

Lieutenant Gillispie was one of the reliables, and had gained the good will 
of his comrades by his good qualities of heart and head. 

His present address is Piano, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT CROSS. 

George B. Cross enlisted in Company L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, October 15, 
1861, at Chicago. 

He was promoted company Quartermaster-Sergeant, and commissioned Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, February 9, 1863, and again promoted to be First Lieutenant of 
his company — April 15, 1863. 

Lieutenant Cross was a brave soldier, and but for the fact that he was 
strongly addicted to the use of liquor, he might have been a successful man, as it 
was he was dismissed from the service, May 4, 1864. 



340 HISTORY OF THE 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT HARKNESS. 

Edwin Ilarkness joined Company L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry at the organiza- 
tion of the regiment; re-enlisted as a veteran, and was made Corporal January 
1, 1864; was promoted to First Sergeant, and Octoher 10, 1865, was commissioned 
to be Second Lieutenant of Company L. 

Lieutenant Ilarkness was a reliable and good soldier; was with the regiment 
constantly for over four years, and being of strong build and constitution, was 
never sick a day; was taken prisoner by the Guerrilla Hayes near the Tennessee 
River, January 12, 1865, and after being robbed by his captors, was allowed to 
depart joining the regiment at Gravelly Springs, the next day, remaining on 
duty with his company till October 31, 1865. His address, May, 1888, is Elm- 
wood, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT SUMMERS. 

Samuel S. Summers enlisted from Monmouth, 111., November 1, 1861 ; re- 
enlisted as a veteran January 1, 1864; was appointed Sergeant and later, March 
28, was commissioned to be Second Lieutenant, and was again promoted, October 
10, 1865, to a first lieutenancy, but having tendered his resignation in August, 
the same was accepted August 29, 1865. 

JOSHUA BELL 
was born in Lemont, Cook county, 111., August 15, 1844, and with his parents 
removed to Chicago the fall of that year. He received a grammar school educa- 
tion, and graduated from the high school into Company L, Ninth Illinois Cav- 
alry, October 15, 1861. He was small for his age, and barely passed muster on 
the ground "that he would do for a Bugler." When his company was full he 
was appointed Saddler-Sergeant of Company L. He says: " I did not capture any 
court houses or Generals, and think I was a hard case," as I was one of the first to 
be arrested for foraging after leaving Pilot Knob, but dodged the guard house as 
I had no official notice of the order, and beat the Sergeant-Majcr cut of the hog 

I shot." 

Soon after arriving at Helena he was taken sick in consequence of the hard- 
ships and lack of water on the march to that place, and was discharged for dis- 
ability, September 20, 1862. 

After leaving the Ninth the subject of this sketch was sick for nearly a year, 
and January 7, 1864, enlisted in the " Chicago Mercantile Battery," and served 
in the Department of the Gulf until July 10, 1865, when he was mustered out as 
a veteran, having taken part in the Red River expedition under General Banks, 
and other minor movements. 

After he returned to Chicago he was married, 1866, to Miss Ellen Colvin, and 
has a promising family of six children— three sons and three daughters 

Ik- has had his full share of theups and downs of life. After twelve years 
of service in political life in various capacities he obtained the position in 1887 of 
Superintendent of the harness contract at the Illinois State Prison, Joliet, 111. 

Comrade Bell, in all these years of toil, maintains the same cheerful and happy 
demeanor. He lias many friends and the respect and confidence of all who know 
his sterling qualities of head, and the goodness of his heart. His address 1888, 
Joliet, 111. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 341 

SKETCH OF ALEXANDER AUSTIN. 

Alexander Austin enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Company L, from 
Chicago, 111., April 12, 1865, and served faithfully with the regiment till the 31st 
of October, 1865, when he was mustered out with the regiment at Selma, Ala., as 
Corporal of Company L. 

Comrade Austin, at the close of the war, returned to Illinois, and engaged in 
the grain business at Rockford and Cherry Valley, and later came to Chicago, 
and has been engaged in the same business for many years. 

His home is now in Oak Park, 111., where he is known as a good citizen and 
a thoroughgoing business man. 

SKETCH OF IRA B. WOOD. 

Ira B. Wood enlisted in Company L, October 15, 1861, and was wounded at 
Waddell farm, June 27, 1862, and was thrown from his horse and supposed to 
have been killed, but came out all right; was again wounded at Guntown, Miss., 
June 10, 1864, and was taken prisoner by one of the bushwhackers, but soon 
turned the tables on him, and carried his captor in triumph into camp; was finally 
discharged at the expiration of his term of service at Edgefield, Tenu., December 
9, 1864. His present address is Albany, Neb. 

SKETCH OF GEORGE W. OLMSTED. 

George W. Olmsted enlisted in Company L, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Septem- 
ber 30, 1861, aud was mustered into the service November 11th, as Corporal, and 
served faithfully with his company. In the first severe fight the regiment was in, 
June 27, 1862, at Stewart's Plantation, while gallantly charging the enemy with 
Company L, he had his horse shot from under him and only escaped capture by 
the enemy by secreting himself in the canebrake, after our horses had left the 
field. 

He continued on duty, having been promoted to a sergeantcy, until Novem- 
ber 12, 1864, when, his term of enlistment having expired, he was mustered out. 
At the battle of Hurricane Creek, July, 1864, he received a severe wound in the 
hand, loosing two fingers by amputation. 

After his discharge from the service he returned to Illinois, and has been for 
many years a successful business man at Prophetstown, 111., where he was widely 
known and highly respected, and which is his present address, June, 1888. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY L. 

Sergeant George D. Warren enlisted from Chicago, September 20, 1861. 

Bugler Seth Payne enlisted October 17, 1861; address, Audubon, Iowa. 

Bugler James H. Denny enlisted October 1, 1861; died at Hopewell, Mo., 
February 28, 1862, of injuries received on railroad. 

Wallace W. Andrew enlisted from Henry county, November 1, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865; address, Kewanee, 111. 

Andrew Anderson enlisted October 1, 1861; dropped April 30, 1862. 

John Ashton enlisted October 15, 1861. 

Franklin B. Allison enlisted October 15, 1861; deserted August 10, 1862. 

Thomas Bracken enlisted from Chicago, October 15, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 



342 HISTORY OF THE 

Charles Barton enlisted November 1, 1861; died at Pocahontas, May 13, 1862. 

Louis Bischoff enlisted November 11, 1861. 

Charles N. Bond enlisted November 15, 1861; discharged November 18, 1861. 

Edward Clark enlisted October 15, 1861; discharged November 20, 1861. 

Albert Clark enlisted November 1, 1861; discharged November 11, 1864, as 
First Sergeant. 

Adelbert C. Culbert enlisted November 1, 1861; veteran; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Homer M. Crandall enlisted from Portland, October 15, 1861; discharged 
June 29, 1862. 

Philip Cliggitt enlisted from Oswego, October 15, 1861; died on hospital 
boat October 5, 1862. 

John Campbell enlisted from Newport, Mich., November 1, 1861; discharged 
September 20, 1862; has been in the employ of the P. C. & St. L. Ry. for over 
twenty years; now residing at 265 Campbell avenue, Chicago. 

Arthur Collins enlisted October 1, 1861. 

Daniel Dodd enlisted October 1, 1861; deserted April 20, 1862. 

Peter H. Donnelly re-transferred to Company K. 

Edward De Reu enlisted October 15, 1861; deserted April 17, '1863. 

Robert Edwards enlisted November 1, 1861; veteran; mustered out October 
31, 1865, as Sergeant. 

James Edmunds enlisted from Hamilton, N. Y., October 15, 1861; promoted 
Regimental Q. M. Sergeant; discharged October 26, 1864. 

John Fitz Gibbons enlisted October 15, 1861; discharged March 15, 1862, for 
disability. 

Daniel Griff en, enlisted October 1, 1861; veteran; mustered out October 1, 
1865. 

David Griffen enlisted October 15, 1865; veteran; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Augustus Gilner enlisted October 15, 1861; transferred to Company H. 

Frank Gay enlisted from Galesburg, November 1, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

F. Gilchrist enlisted October 15, 1861; discharged December 9, 1864. 

Spencer Green enlisted October 15, 1861; discharged November 20, 1861. 

Patrick Hunt enlisted September 16, 1861; veteran; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Theodore W. Haines enlisted October 15, 1861; discharged July 23, 1863, for 
disability. 

Oliver Hauley enlisted October 15, 1861; veteran; mustered out October 31, 

1865. 

John Wesley Hyke enlisted November 11, 1861; rejected December 12, 1861. 

William Allison Harr, enlisted from Charleston, November 1, 1861; dis- 
charged July 23, 1862, for disability. 

Hugh Johnson enlisted October 1, 1861; deserted January 10, 1862. 

Michael Kelley enlisted October 15, 1861; discharged December 9, 1864; 
address, Chicago, 111. 

John Kavanaugh enlisted November 1, 1861; discharged, 1864; address, 
Tecumseh, Neb. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 343 

John Lyons enlisted September 15, 1861. 

Alonzo P. Lane enlisted November 1, 1861; promoted Sergeant; veteran; pro- 
moted First Sergeant; killed at Franklin, November 30, 1864. 

Hiram Latson enlisted at Geneseo, October 28, 1861. 

William F. Latson enlisted at Geneseo, October 15, 1861; died at Camp 
Douglas, February 24. 1862. 

Robert L. Mooney enlisted October 15, 1861; veteran; died at Montevallo, 
Ala., September 19, 1865. 

John Mulligan enlisted October 15, 1861. 

Samuel Miner enlisted November 1, 1861; rejected December 20, 1861. 

Alexander McKenzie enlisted October 15, 1861. 

Henry Ellis McCoy enlisted November 11, 1861; discharged November 20, 
1861. 

John Maloney enlisted October 15, 1861; rejected November 20, 1861. 

Joseph McKay enlisted November 11,1861; veteran; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles Nugent enlisted October 15, 1861 . 

OleBorneman Nelson enlisted October 15, 1861; veteran; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Sergeant. 

John Reilly enlisted November 1, 1861; discharged July 23, 1862, for disa- 
bility. 

Crawford Robb enlisted from Cameron, November 1, 1861. 

Michael Rourk enlisted at Chicago, November 1, 1861; deserted February 
14, 1862. 

Arthur M. Roberts enlisted October 15, 1861; discharged January 22, 1863, 
for disability. 

Isaac Rogers enlisted at Geneseo, October 28, 1861; died at Augusta, July 6, 
1862. 

Isaac Sherwood enlisted September 15, 1861. 

Clarence E. Severance enlisted from Cameron, October 1, 1861. 

Robert Sleight enlisted October 15, 1861; veteran; promoted company Quar- 
termaster-Sergeant; deserted August 8, 1865. 

Marcellus L. Segur enlisted November 1, 1861; promoted Saddler-Sergeant; 
veteran; deserted August 15, 1865. 

John W. Smith enlisted November 11, 1861; discharged April 10, 1862, for 
disability. 

William Sheppard enlisted at Chicago, November 1, 1861; discharged April 1, 
1862, for disability. 

James W. Tracy enlisted September 15, 1861. 

Charles H. Van Brunt enlisted at Chicago, November 15, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31 , 1865. 

Hamilton Wells enlisted October 15, 1861; veteran; transferred to Veteran 
Reserve Corps, April 26, 1864. 

Hans Wold enlisted October 15, 1861. 

Hanley Dexter Willis enlisted November 1, 1861; promoted Sergeant; dis- 
charged December 9, 1864. 

Henry C. Woodbury enlisted November 1, 1861; discharged June 29, 1862, 
for disability. 



344 HISTORY OF THE 

RECRUITS. 

Charles F. Allyn enlisted at Chicago, March 17, 1865; deserted July 19, 1865. 
Elijah Bollard enlisted from Elmwood, January 28, 1862; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Merritt Ball (or Hale) enlisted at Chicago, March 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Caleb Bach enlisted at Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out October 31 r 
1865. 

Joseph Billille enlisted at Chicago, March 28, 1865; mustered out October Sl r 
1865. 

William Boyd enlisted at Chicago, March 23, 1865; mustered out Octobei- 
31, 1865. 

Patrick J. Bradley enlisted at Chicago, March 13, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Hiram Beasley enlisted from Sandy, February 25, 1865; musteied out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Edwin Brown enlisted from Virgil, March 22, 1865; mustered out October 
31,1865. 

George Bruner enlisted August 29, 1863; mustered out June 2, 1865. 

James Brady enlisted from Proviso, September 16, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Nathan L. Brewer — deserted March 20, 1864. 

Henry J. Banyard enlisted at Chicago, March 22, 1865; deserted July 12, 
1865. 

James Brundage enlisted at Chicago, February 20, 1865; deserted July 12,. 
1865. 

James Betts enlisted at Chicago, February 20, 1865; mustered out October 17,. 
1865. 

William Clovis enlisted from Cameron, November 20, 1861; veteran; de- 
serted August 18, 1865. 

Thomas Carly enlisted February 18, 1862; veteran; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Richard Cronin enlisted at Chicago, February 15, 1862; veteran; promoted 
Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865, as Sergeant. 

David Callaghau enlisted from Black Hawk, March 9, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Joseph Cole enlisted at Chicago, February 21, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles H. Canfield enlisted from Buckeye February 14, 1865; mustered out 
June 2, 1865. 

William H. Clayton enlisted from Cold Brook, March 31, 1864; mustered out 
May 17, 1865. 

Cicero Dalton enlisted from Elmwood, December 12, 1861; mustered out- 
March 17, 1865; address Elmwood, 111. 

Robert A. Dawson enlisted from Lawn Ridge, October 30, 1862; killed at 
Tupelo, Miss., July 15, 1864. 

Josiah B. Davis enlisted at Chicago, March 28, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865, as Sergeant. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 345 

John C. Davidson enlisted from Monmouth, January 5, 1864; mustered out 

OCt0 Ozia 8 s 1 Dec!Lr, Jr., enlisted at Chicago, March 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 

^ SamutlDelap enlisted at Chicago, February 27, 1865; mustered out October 

' John Duclase enlistedat Chicago, March 28, 1865; mustered out October 31, 

1865 William Dauphin enlisted at Chicago, March 22, 1865; deserted July 12, 

James Farrell enlisted November 28, 1861; discharged April 3, 1864, for dis- 

Samuel A. Finney enlisted from Cameron, October 3, 1862. 

Edwin R Foster enlisted from Monmouth, October 20, 1862. 

William R. File enlisted at Chicago, February 17, 1865; mustered out Octo- 

^ Jame^N. Fitch enlisted from Texas, March 17, 1865; mustered out October 
31 1865. Resides at Cobden, 111. 

' Charles L. French enlisted at Chicago, March 13, 1865;.mustered out Sep- 

tem Daniel A. Gifford enlisted from Buffalo, March 17, 1865; promoted Com- 
pany Quartermaster-Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865; 

Albert A. Gifford enlisted from Buffalo, March 17, 1865; mustered out Octo- 

ber8 Samuel"'R. Guthrue enlisted from Chicago, March 31, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865, as blacksmith. 

William Gasner enlisted from Seward, February 16, 1865; mustered out 

DCt °Ch 1 arles Gastfield enlisted from Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out 

October 31, 1865. , . . . 

Richard Gordon enlisted from Peoria, March 21, 1865; absent, sick, at 

mustered out of regiment, 

John Green enlisted from Elba, Januarys, 1865; mustered out October 31, 

1865. 

Jerome Gilbert discharged July 3, 1864, for disability. 

Maxon Graham enlisted from Phoenix, March 17, 1865; deserted September 

1 1865 

William H. Hubbell enlisted from Current River, Mo., April 20, 1862; trans- 
ferred from Company B. 

Clay Haley enlisted from Cameron, October 3, 1862; mustered out October 

31, 1865. , 

Andrew Huntington enlisted from Henderson, February 3, 1865; mustered 

out October 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

John Helmstaader enlisted from Chicago, February 21, 1861; mustered out 

October 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Henry H. Howard enlisted from Chicago, March 25, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 



346 HISTORY OF THE 

John R. Henson enlisted from Indian Creek, February 14, 1865; mustered 
outOotober31,1865. 

George Hanner enlisted from Chicago, March 11, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Henry Higgins enlisted from Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Henry Hoyt enlisted from Virgil, March 22, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Patrick Hanrahan enlisted from Chicago, February 20, 1865; died at Mont- 
gomery, August 27, 1865. 

Christopher Hammer enlisted from Chicago, March 11. 1865; deserted Octo- 
ber 2, 1865. 

John Haltmeyer enlisted from Chicago, March 13, 1865; deserted October 2, 
1865. 

Lafayette H. Irving enlisted November 15, 1861. 

Thomas P. Jarman enlisted from Glenwood, February 7, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Joseph Jones enlisted from Peoria, March 21, 1865; deserted July 12, 1865. 

Francis P. Kingsley, discharged February 7, 1862. 

Charles Kesting enlisted from Chicago, February 24, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Oscar Koethe enlisted from Chicago, February 24, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

William Koethe enlisted from Chicago, February 24, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Charles Koethe enlisted from Chicago, February 24, 1865; deserted August 
2, 1865. 

Jacob Kohl enlisted from Chicago, February 24, 1865; died at Mound City, 
Mo., May 17, 1865. 

James Kesner enlisted from Chicago, March 22, 1865; deserted July 12, 1865. 

Elias A. Livingston enlisted December 5, 1°61. 

John Labare enlisted from Chicago, February 23, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

Thomas Lanning enlisted at Chicago, March 7, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Peter Laroche enlisted from St. Anne, March 25, 1865: mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John Lattis enlisted at Chicago, March 13, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Jacob H. Lightsey enlisted from Groveland, February 20, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Ambrose Losekin enlisted at Chicago, February 17, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

John Luckman enlisted at Chicago, February 17, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William H. Middleham enlisted at Rock Island, December 16, 1861; mustered 
out January 4, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 347 

John F. McKenna enlisted December 24, 1861; veteran; promoted Corporal; 
deserted April 25, 1864. 

Moses D. Morey enlisted from Cameron, December 1, 1861; died at Helena, 
Ark., September 23, 1862. 

Henry Miner enlisted from Cameron, August 3, 1862; mustered out October 
31, 1865; address, Galesburg, 111., 

William Mills enlisted from Monmouth, February 29, 1864; promoted Ser- 
geant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John McGinnis enlisted at Chicago, February 20, 1865; promoted Saddler- 
Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Philip Massoth enlisted at Chicago, February 20, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Henry McGee enlisted at Chicago, February 21, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Frederick Myers enlisted at Chicago, March 28, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Milton Miller enlisted at Chicago, March 22, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

John Matthewson enlisted from Elmwood, February 1, 1864; mustered out 
May 17, 1865. 

Jacob Miner enlisted from Chicago, February 17, 1865; mustered out Septem- 
ber 19, 1865. 

Robert O'Neil enlisted November 27, 1861; discharged for disability in 1862; 
re-enlisted March 16, 1863; mustered out October 31, 1865; residence Philadelphia, 
Penn. 

Little Berry Parrish enlisted from Floyd, December 18, 1863; absent, sick, at 
muster-out of regiment. 

William Plain enlisted from Chicago, February 28, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Ferdinand Posselt enlisted from Chicago, October 8, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

William H. Price enlisted from Chicago, April 8, 1865; deserted October 14, 
1865. 

Charles Rose enlisted September 10, 1861; transferred to Company H. 

Charles Rooney enlisted from Chicago, March 30, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Frederick Rennecks enlisted from Chicago, April 3, 1865; musteredout Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

George Rich enlisted at Chicago, April 3, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865; address. Aurora, 111. 

Enoch Robbins enlisted from Chicago, March 31, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Elvis C. Roberts enlisted from Chicago, December 8, 1863; deserted June 9, 
1864. 

Anthony Riley enlisted from Elmwood, December 28, 1862; missing in action, 
Guntown, June 11, 1864. 

JohnH. Shelton enlisted November 20, 1861; veteran; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 



348 HISTORY OF THE 

William H. Shelton, enlisted November 20, 1861; mustered out December 9, 
1864. 

Charles A. Snow enlisted December 12, 1861. 

John Suggs enlisted from Monmouth, October 9, 1862; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Benjamin Suttee enlisted from Shanghai, November 25, 1862: died in Ander- 
sonville prison, March 4, 1864; grave 11808. 

Job. A. Shurtleff enlisted from Colona March 31, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Corporal. 

John F. Smith enlisted at Chicago, April 5, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

William Sage enlisted from Black Hawk, March 28, 1865, mustered out, Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Frank Sempter, mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John Shreider enlisted at Chicago, February 17, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Isaac Sherwood enlisted from Salt Creek, March 20, 1863; deserted December 
9, 1864. 

John Vail (or Vaal) enlisted from Seward, February 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Louis Vix enlisted at Chicago February 27, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

William R. Van Houghten enlisted at Chicago, October 8, 1864; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

George E. Waterhouse enlisted from Elmwood, December 10, 1861; dis- 
charged July 25, 1862. 

William M. Watkins enlisted December 12, 1861; died at Cairo, October 2, 
1862. 

Michael Weir enlisted at Chicago March 9, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Solomon R. W#rd enlisted from Berlin, February 1, 1865; deserted en route 
to regiment. 

COMPANY M. 

Company M, Ninth Illinois Cavalry Volunteers was recruited 
almost entirely at Onarga, Iroquois county, 111., by E. R. Knight, 
Jacob C. Shear and Jacob Riner, with several other patriotic 
comrades of the proposed company. An election was held and 
E. It. Knight was selected Captain, J. C. Shear, First Lieutenant 
and Jacob Riner, Second Lieutenant, and was mustered into the 
service November 30, 1861. 

The material of Company M, gathered as it was almost in 
a neighborhood, was not excelled by any, and among the first to 
suffer in engagements with the enemy. July 27, 1862, was Cap- 
tain Knight, who was severely wounded and five more from Com- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 349 

pany M received the compliments of the enemy in the shape of 
cold lead. 

This company was with the regiment in all the prominent 
engagements during the four years' service, and were always 
noted for their fidelity to the various calls for duty that were made 
upon them. In March, 1864, many from this company re-enlisted 
as Veterans, and under a new set of officers taken from the ranks 
of the company the spendid record was fully maintained. 

The number at muster-in of this company, eighty-two; whole 
number borne on the rolls of the company, two hundred and fif- 
teen. 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN KNIGHT. 

Eliphalet R. Knight recruited the major part of Company M, of the Ninth, 
in Iroquis county, mainly in Onarga, and mustered in as Captain of the com- 
pany, November 30, 1861, and remained in the service until November 30, 
1864; when, his term of service having expired, he mustered out. 

Captain Knight was with the regiment during the Missouri march, and in 
the Arkansas campaigns. A man of much intelligence, commanding in presence, 
a brave, good soldier, and a tine officer. 

While gallantly leading his company in the fight at " Stewart's Plantation," 
June 27, 1862, he received a shot through the lung, which laid him up for a long 
time at his home in the North. He was with the regiment in many of the expedi- 
tions and engagements in Tennessee and Mississippi during 1863, and until the 
Ninth veteranized. About that time, January, 1864, he was placed on duty at 
Fort Pickering, near Memphis, and later was in charge of troops passing up and 
down the river, 

After the war Captain Knight made his residence in the South, where carried 
on a large mercantile business successfully for many 3 T ears, and where he died . 

SKETCH OF CAPTAIN AVERY. 

John H. Avery enlisted in Company M, at Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861, 
and on the muster-in of the company was made Sergeant. 

October 18, 1862, he was commissioned Second Lieutenant, and on the resig- 
nation of Lieutenant Shear, June 20, 1864, was commissioned First Lieutenant, 
and November 30, 1864, was promoted Captain of Company M, with whom he 
had served so long. 

During all these years the young soldier had been making a record, and was 
one of the most dashing and brave among the officers of the Ninth. 

In the Guntown expedition in June, 1864, Captain Avery was one of the 
trusted officers of the Ninth, who did much to save the command from total 
annihilation, and was one of those who received the special thanks of General 
Grierson. 

He served as Adjutant upon the staff of Colonel Coon for a longtime in 1864- 
65, and was very active and brave in all the duties incident to his position. 



350 HISTOKY OF THE 

In the Shoal Creek campaign in 1864, and at Nashville as Adjutant for Colonel 
Coon, he was conspicuous for soldierly qualities. 

He rejoined the regiment in the fall of 1865, and was mustered out October 
81, 1865, at Selma, Ala. & 

Since the war Captain Avery has been engaged in various business enter- 
prises at the South, and is located at the present time, 1888, at Forrest City, Ark 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT SHEAR. 

Jacob C. Shear was one of the early members of Company M, and did active 
service in filling the company up to the required number; the squadron was the 
last to be mustered into the service with the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and J. C. 
Shear was elected First Lieutenant, and mustered in with the company. 

To those of the comrades who knew him personally (and who did not?) it ie 
not necessary to say one word in his praise. He was always genial and pleasant, 
and though sometimes troubled with the cares of his position, he managed to 
make things pretty easy all around. 

Captain Knight, after his wound in the summer of 1862, did not spend much 
time with the regiment, and Lieutenant Shear was in command of Company M 
most of the time, till he resigned, June 20, 1864. 

When the regiment veteranized in the spring of 1864, the boys of Company 
M again showed their appreciation of their commander by electing him to the 
captaincy, but he did not accept. 

Since the close of the war Lieutenant Shear has been located in Iroquois 
county, his old home, where he has been a successful stock farmer. His present 
address is Thawville, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT ASAT. 

William Asay was born in Mercer county, N. J., September 20, 1837, and 
came to Onarga, 111., in 1860; enlisted in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry Septem- 
ber 20, 1861 and mustered in Company M November 30, 1861; was soon there- 
after detailed as nurse in the hospital, but, these duties being distasteful to the 
young soldier, he asked to be relieved, and Captain Knight sent another man in 
his place. 

He then returned to his company, and was constantly on duty, and was ever 
faithful in the discharge of all duties. When the members of his company re-en- 
listed as veterans, he was one of Ihe first to sign the new rolls, and was appointed 
Sergeant, and mustered in again, March 16, 1864. 

Sergeant Asay was commissioned Second Lieutenant September 15, 1865, and 
was mustered out with the regiment at Selma, Ala., October 31, 1865. 

Lieutenant Asay was a thoroughly brave and good soldier, quiet and unpre- 
tentious, but always ready and competent for whatever duty he was called upon 
to perform. He won the esteem of all his comrades. 

His present address, 1888, is Atlantic, Iowa. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT COOK. 

Asa P. Cook enlisted in the Ninth September 10, 1861, at Onarga, 111., and 
was mustered into Company M, November 30; re-enlisted as a veteran January 1, 
1864; was promoted Sergeant, and then Second Lieutenant, May 8, 1865, and 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 351 

again promoted to be First Lieutenant September 15th, and mustered out with the 
regiment October 31, 1865, at Selma, Ala. 

Lieutenant Cook was one of the soldiers that remained with the regiment from 
first till last, and was in all the engagements of his company; a faithful, good sol- 
dier. His address unknown. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT RINER, 

Jacob Riner joined the Ninth Illinois Cavalry as Second Lieutenant of Com- 
pany M, November 30, 1861, and remained with the regiment till March 27, 1862, 
when, his health failing, he resigned, and has since died. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT MAJOR, 

Samuel Major enlisted in the Ninth September 30, 1861, and was mustered 
into the service as First Sergeant of Company M November 30, 1861; re-enlisted 
as a Veteran January 1, 1864, and was promoted to be Second Lientenant June 
20, 1864; serving with the Ninth in all its engagements till he left the service, 
December 28, 1864. 

His present address, 1888, Buckley, 111. 

SKETCH OF LIEUTENANT DILLON. 

William C. Dillon enlisted at Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861, in Company 
M, of the Ninth, and was immediately promoted Corporal, re-enlisting as a vet- 
eran, March 27, 1864, and was promoted Sergeant, and was commissioned Lieu- 
tenant of his company, and was mustered out of the service July 8, 1865, as pris- 
oner of war. 

Lieutenant Dillon served well and faithfully as a good soldier during the 
whole period of his connection with the regiment, receiving his commission as 
Lieutenant for soldierly qualities displayed. 

Since the war he has made his home in the West, and his present address, 
1888, is Hallowell, Kan. 

SKETCH OF SETH F. HANCHETT. 

Seth F. Hanchett was born near Mayville, Chautauqua county, N. Y., April 
30, 1842. He worked on a farm and received a good common-school education, 
and in the summer of 1856, when fourteen years of age, he concluded to try his 
fortune at the West. He arrived in Chicago in August of that year, and then 
fully realizing the importance of a good education, attended school for one year 
at Marengo, 111. Returning to Chicago, he was employed by the North Chicago 
City Railway Company to the breaking out of the war, when heenlisted in Com- 
pany M, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and was promoted to Company Quartermaster- 
Sergeant, and served in the Army of the Southwest until November, 1862, when 
he was seized with the Southern fever and sent to the hospital at St. Louis. His 
case being considered hopeless, he was discharged from the service, but, after a 
siege of ten months' sickness, his strong constitution triumphed and he recovered, 
and during the latter part of 1863 returned to his old home and joined the Fif- 
teenth New York Cavalry. He served under Generals Franz Sigel and Hunter, 
and in 1864 was in Custer's division under General Sheridan, in the Shenandoah 
Valley. 






352 HISTORY OF THE 

He served in all the engagements before Petersburg, ending with the battle 
of Five Oaks. In this last engagement, while charging the rebel lines, he was 
struck by the fragment of a shell and maimed for life, losing his left arm. In 
this third, last and triumphant charge the rebel lines were broken and the day- 
saved to the Union forces. 

In June, 1865, he returned to Chicago, and was engaged for one year in the 
commission business, after which he was made Superintendent of the Soldiers' 
Home, but resigned in 1867 to accept the position of Deputy Sheriff under Gen- 
eral John L. Beveridge. 

He was First Bailiff in the County Court under Judges Bradwell and Wal- 
lace, and served as Deputy under different administrations until November, 1876, 
when Charles Kern was elected Sheriff. About one year after, he was elected 
Clerk of the Probate Court, and in the fall of 1880 was elected to the more 
responsible office of Sheriff of Cook county. 

He was married June 27, 1867, to Miss Lizzie L. Atkins, daughter of Robert 
J. Atkins, Esq. They have three children — Frank R., Seth F. and Bessie I. 

The subject of this sketch is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, 
the Union Veteran Club, and has been Treasurer of the Union Veteran League 
since its organization. 

Mr. Hanchett has for a short time been out of official position. He has pur- 
chased a large and very fine stock farm in Iowa, where he proposes to take a well- 
merited rest from official cares and the duties of an active, busy life that have 
attended him for many years ; 

BENJAMIN F. PRICE 

enlisted at Onarga, 111., in Company M, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, August 1, 1862, 
and was in all the battles and engagements in which his company took part till 
Jnue 10, 1864, when at Guntown, Miss., he received so severe a wound that he 
suffered the loss of his left arm, being obliged to have it amputated at the 
shoulder. 

Comrade Price was one of our bravest soldiers, prompt, brave and faithful; 
he could always be relied upon. After the return of the regiment from that un- 
fortunate Guntown expedition, he was sent to the regimental hospital at 
Memphis, Tenn., but was not mustered out till June 16, 1865. 

After his return home in 1865, Comrade Price was elected Town Collector 
and was re-elected each year till 1882, when he was nominated by acclamation in 
a convention of over one hundred delegates, and was elected County Treasurer 
for a term of four years, and, not being eligible at the expiration of his term to a 
re-election, his friends presented his name as a candidate for County Clerk, and he 
was again nominated by acclamation, and was elected to the office, which he still 
holds, June, 1888. 

Comrade Price is an out-and-out Republican, a good citizen, and a man 
popular and highly esteemed by all who know him. 

His address is Watseka, 111. 

JOHN B. LOWE, 

Sergeant of Company M, enlisted August 1, 1862, joining the regiment at 
Helena, Ark., and was on duty with the Ninth in all the engagements of his com- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 353 

pany till November 19, 1864, when he, with Captain Mock's battalion, captured 
Chalmers' headquarters train at Shoal Creek, Ala., was taken prisoner that day by 
a company under Major Vills of Chalmers' staff. He was taken to Meridian, 
Miss., thence to Castle Morgan, C ah aba, where he remained with others (making 
two ineffective efforts to escape) until the close of the war, when he was sent to 
Vicksburg for exchange, a ceremony that was never performed; was finally 
mustered out at Springfield, 111., July 8, 1863. 

He then returned to his home at Onarga, 111., and engaged in the printing 
business, and soon thereafter purchased an interest in the Grand Prairie Review 
at Onarga. In 1869, removed to Moline, 111., and established the Moline Review 
but returned to Onarga in 1870, and in 1871 founded the Onarga Review, and from 
1876 to 1880 edited and published seven papers for as many different towns, the 
mechanical work being done in the Onarga, office. During apart of this time was 
postmaster at Onarga. In 1880 he became a resident of Eureka Springs, Ark., 
with the hope of regaining his health (chronic-diarrhoea having been a result of 
his prison experience). While there he was founder of the Echo, the first paper 
started at this noted watering place, and received an injury, which for years com- 
pelled him to give up his chosen profession. 

Returning to Illinois in 1881, he became a merchant, and was the recipient of 
an official position until March, 1888. He purchased the Onarga Leader, and 
converted it into a standard Republican paper, and is still its able editor. 

At the organization of the State militia, he raised a company of seventy, and 
was elected Captain of Company E, of Ninth Battalion. Captain Lowe was a 
charter member of W. A. Babcock Post, 416, and in 1887 was its Commander. 

He was been in Chicago, 111., October 10, 1843, his father being the second 
and fourth sheriff of Cook county. 

Captain Lowe is a highly respected and influential citizen of Iroquois County. 

His address, Onarga, 111. 

FREDERICK C. FEIGEL 

enlisted in Company M, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, November 15, 1851 , at Chicago, 111. 

He was a good soldier, always prompt and ready for duty, and brave in the 
performance of whatever he was called upon to do. He served with the Ninth 
for a long time as orderly at headquarters., and in June, 1864, when he was with 
Captain Mock in the hard fight at Guntown, Miss. , June 10, 1864, he was so un- 
fortunate as to be captured by the enemy, and was sent by them to Andersonville 
prison, where he was kept confined and nearly starved to death till December 
10, 1864, when he was sent North, broken in health, a mere skeleton. Arriving 
in Chicago, he was taken in and kindly cared for by his old friend, Sergeant-Ma- 
jor Fitzpatrick, who nursed him back to life and hope, and he was finally mus- 
tered out, February 16, 1865, as prisoner of war. 

After recovering his health, Comrade Feigel went West, where he has been 
for many years engaged successfully in large mining and real estate operations. 

His present address being Rapid City, Dak., and he is one of the prominent, 
wealthy and leading men in that country. 

SKETCH OF ROBERT H. SHERMAN. 

Robert H. Sherman was born November 10, 1839, in Sterling, Windham 
23 



354 HISTORY OF THE 

county, Conn., and his father dying when he was ten years of age, he was obliged 
to work hard to help support his mother and three younger children. 

In 1857 he emigrated to Illinois, and soon after commenced farming. 

He enlisted At Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862, in Company M, of the Ninth, 
and remained with the service, and was engaged in nearly every fight of the com- 
pany until February 22, 1864, and was promoted Corporal. 

A faithful, brave and good soldier. February 22, 1864, he was severely 
wounded at Okolona, Miss.; in one of Forrest's fierce assaults he was obliged to 
fall back and was sent to the hospital at Gayosa Block, Memphis, and his wound 
unfitting him entirely for army service, he made application for his discharge, 
which he received February 22, 1865. 

As soon as his health was sufficiently recovered he commenced to read law in 
the office of the late Hon. W. W. O'Brien, at Peoria, 111., and practiced law ten 
years, when, his health failing, he gave up his law business. 

His first important case was the procuring the release of a large distiller 
which had been seized by the government six months before. He then removed to 
Keokuk, Iowa, and engaged in the mercantile business for a few years, and again 
took up the practice of law in bankrupt cases only, and was very successful in 
those cases till the repeal of the bankrupt law. 

Comrade Sherman then gave up the law entirely and engaged in his old time 
occupation of farming in Indiana, where with a good wife and three fine boys he 
has taken life easy, and is a highly respected citizen of Chalmers, Ind., which is 
his present address. 

MUSTER OUT ROSTER OF THE COMMISSIONED OFFICERS OF THE 
NINTH ILLINOIS VETERAN CAVALRY, AT SELMA, ALA., OCTO- 
BER 31. 1865. 

Col. Joseph W. Harper, Belvidere, 111. — present address, Hamilton, Mo. ; 
Lt. Col. Anthony R. Mock, Cambridge, 111. — present address, Cambridge, 111.; 
Major William McMannis, Princeton, 111. — present address, Baird, Tex.; Major 
L. L. Shattuck, Belvidere, 111. — present address, Titusville, Penn.; Major Atherton 
Clark, Princeton, 111. — present address, Princeton, 111.; Surgeon George B. 
Christy, Franklin Grove, 111. — present address, Dunlap, Iowa; Adjt. William A. 
Power, Hudsonville, N. Y.— present address, Power, Dak.; Q. M. D. L. Angle, 
LaFayette, Ind. — present address Kansas City, Mo.; 1st Lieut. Edward A. Daven- 
port, Cambridge, III. — present address, Chicago, 111. ; Asst. Surgeon Frank A. 
Holliday, Carlinville, 111. — present address, Metropolis City, 111. 

Company A. — Capt. Christopher G. Dack.Rock Island, 111.— present address, 
Rock Island, 111.; 2d Lieut. George P. Webster, Rock Island, 111. — present ad- 
dress, Des Moines, Iowa. 

Company B.— Capt. Thomas J. McNair, Geneseo, 111.— present address, 
Nunda, Neb.; 1st Lieut. Jerry C. Kilmer, Geneseo, 111.— present address, Rock 
Island, 111.; 2d Lieut. John T. Showalter, Geneseo, 111.— present address, Well- 
ington, Kan. 

Company C— Capt. Smith A. Davison, Geneseo, 111.— died July 2, 1873; 1st 
Lieut. Stephen Petteys, Geneseo, 111.— present address, Traer, Kan.; 2d Lieut, 
Fred. W. Harding, Geneseo, 111. — present address, Mason, Iowa. 

Company D.— Capt. Patrick Kelly, Toledo, Ohio— died September 8, 1887; 








H, F, PRICE, 

Company M. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 355 

1st Lieut. James H. Hazlett, Virden, 111. — present address, Edgar, Neb.; 2d 
Lieut. Benjamin Ratz, Toledo, Ohio — present address, Toledo, Ohio. 

Company E. — Capt. Samuel Purviance, Logansport, Ind. — present address, 
Logansport, Ind ; 1st Lieut. Eugene C. Wilton, Marengo, 111.— present address, 
Clay Centre, Kan.; 2d Lieut. Charles M. Haner, Logansport, Ind. — present ad- 
dress, Pekin, 111. 

Company F. — 1st Lieut. Christopher H. Jergens, Chicago, 111. — present ad- 
dress unknown; 2d Lieut. Henry F. Hill, Chicago, 111. — present address, Mem- 
phis, Tenn. 

Company G. — Capt. Harrison C. Vore, Belvidere, 111. — present address, 
What Cheer, Iowa; 1st Lieut. George B. Reed, Valparaiso, Ind. — present address, 
Jordan, Minn.; 2d Lieut. Henry Rinker, Chillicothe, Mo. — present address, 
Alpha, Mo. 

Company II. — Capt. Frank Sowerby, Philadelphia, Penn. — present address, 
San Antonio, Tex.; 2d Lieut. James Murray, Kewanee, 111.— present address, 
Galva, 111. 

Company I. — Capt. Harvey M. Jenner, Belvidere, 111. — present address, Chi- 
cago, 111.; 1st Lieut. Othman A. Abbott, Belvidere, 111. — present address, Grand 
Island, Neb.; 2d Lieut. F. P. Robinson, Belvidere, 111. — present address un- 
known . 

Company K. — Capt. Joseph O. H. Spinney, Princeton, 111. — present address, 
Massena, Iowa.; 1st Lieut. Oliver T. Prickett, Carbondale, 111. — present address 
unknown; 2d Lieut. Frank Woodward, Princeton, 111. — present address, Chi- 
cago, 111. 

Company L. — Capt. John H. Carpenter, Chicago, 111. — present address, 
Chicago, 111. 

Company M. — Capt. J. H. Avery, Onarga, 111. — present address, Forest City, 
Ark.; 1st Lieut. Asa Cook, Onarga, 111. — present address unknown; 2d Lieut. 
William Asay, Onarga, 111. — present address, Griswold, Iowa. 

The number of commissions issued to the Ninth Regiment, 
Illinois Cavalry, during its term of service, from September, 1861, 
to November, 1865, was 242, as follows: Field and staff, 46 ; 
Company A, 13 ; Company 13, 13; Company C, 14; Company D, 
11; Company E, IT; Company F, 13; Company G, 11; Com- 
pany II, 15; Company I, 14; Company K, 16; Company L, 12 ; 
Company M, IS; Company non-commissioned staff, 29. 

ROSTER OF COMPANY M. 

Sergeant Joseph N. Lowe enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 1, 1861; 
veteran; mustered out December 10, 1864; resides at Maxinkuckee, Ind. 

Sergeant George Tolbert enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; 
died at Reeves St.ition, Mo., March 31, 1862. 

Corporal Robert M. Worthington enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 
1861. 

Corporal Frederick Birdsley enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; 
mustered out February 28, 1865. 



35G HISTORY OF THE 

Corporal J. W. Follett enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; died at 
Chicago, February 8.. 1862. 

Corporal Daniel P. Clark enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; 
veteran; mustered out August 15, 1865. 

Corporal James A. Montgomery enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 
1861; mustered out January 3, 1865; resides at Watseka, 111. 

Corporal William B. Murdough enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 
1861 ; veteran; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Corporal Asa W. Wilson enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; 
died near Jacksonport, Ark., June 26, 1862. 

J. Edward Prentiss enlisted at Chicago, November 1, 1861; promoted Bugler 
and discharged for disability September 29, 1862; now residing at Westerly, R. I. 
James C. Fellows enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 15, 1861; promoted 
Farrier; discharged December 10, 1864. 

Mather Abbott enlisted at Chicago September 19, 1861; killed at Jackson- 
port, Ark., June 27, 1862. 

William H. Brown enlisted at Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; discharged 
March 5, 1862; disability. 

Barney Burns enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; died at 
Memphis, Tenn., February 12 1864, of wounds. 

GeorgeH. Barrick enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; mustered 
out June 9, 1865; prisoner of war. 

Frank Blakely enlisted from Onarga, 111., October 1, 1861; vetetan; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Orville D. Broad enlisted at Chicago, November 10, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out July 8, 1865: prisoner of war; was captured on Shoal Creek, November 19, 
1864; confined in Cahaba prison and paroled in March, 1865, when mustered 
out of the service returned to Chicago. He has been for many years in business 
at the Stock Yards, Chicago; his present home and address is 4201 Indiana 
avenue, Chicago. 

Riley Cheneworth enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; died 
at Reeves Station, Mo., March 22, 1862. 

John W. Coffin enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out July 8, 1865; resides at Chicago, 111. 

Ephram Cast enlisted November 1, 1861; rejected December 8, 1861. 
John Craig enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; veteran; muttend 
out October 31, 1865; residence Brownville, Kan. 

Newton Dillon enlisted from Onarga, 111., October 19, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; died at Columbia, Tenn., November 24, 1864; of wounds. 

William Denning enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 20,1861; mustered 
out December 10, 1864. 

James Donahue enlisted from Chicago, 111., September 7, 1861; transferred 
to Company F. 

James B. Freeman enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; rejected 
December 8, 1861. 

Nelson Guiles enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; veteran; mus- 
tered out July 8, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 357 

George Gable enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; rejected De- 
cember 8, 1861. 

Michael Gillen from Chicago, re-transferred to Company F. 

William F. Gibbons enlisted from Chicago, September 21, 1861; rejected 
December 8, 1861. 

Henry Holmes enlisted from Onarga, September 10, 1861; mustered out April 
5, 1865; residence Onarga, 111. 

Charles Hendricks enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861. 

Curtis L. Knight enlisted at Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; promoted Ser- 
geant-Major, January 1, 1862; residence, Forrest City, Ark. 

Samuel Kiser enlisted from Onarga, October 20, 1861; veteran; discharged 
April 10, 1865; disability. 

Edward D. Kent enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 1, 1861; discharged 
June 11, 1862, for disability. 

Edward N. Letts enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Cavalry Lewis enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; mustered out 
December 10, 1864. 

Thomas Lewis enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; mustered out 
April 24, 1865. 

Jacob C. Lippcncott enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 30, 1861. 

Patrick Langston enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; dropped 
April 30, 1862. 

Owen McMahon enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; discharged 
September 29, 1862. 

Lucian Mendal enlisted September 10, 1861, from Onarga; died at St. Louis, 
Mo., October 13, 1864. 

Leonard J. Mascal enlisted at Onarga, 111., September 10. 1861; mustered 
out March 11, 1865; now resident at Onarga, 111. 

Walter McMullin enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 1, 1861. 

Richard McCluchen enlisted at Chicago, September 13, 1865. (See Com- 
pany F.) 

Daniel Naile enlisted at Onarga, 111., November 2, 1861; mustered out July 
8, 1865. 

John Osborn enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; mustered out 
December, 10, 1864. 

Joseph Overall enlisted at Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; veteran; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

David H. Putnam enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; died at 
Memphis, Tenn., April 10, 1864. 

William H. Powell enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 1. 1861. 

Thomas G. Robinson enlisted September 10, 1861, from Onarga, 111.; pro- 
moted Sergeant, mustered out January 3, 1865. 

Nelson J. Robinson enlisted November 1, 1861, from Onarga, 111.; drowned 
in Black River, Arkansas, near Jacksonport, June 22, 1862, was promoted Ser- 
geant. 

William Robinson enlisted September 10, 1861, from Onarga, 111.; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out December 10, 1864. 



358 HISTORY OF THE 

William Itiner enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 20, 1861; mustered out 
March 11, 1865. 

Clark Sliackley enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out July 11, 1865; prisoner of war. 

Andrew J. Sellers enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; drowned 
in Black River, at Jacksonport, Ark., June 1, 1862. 

Frederick Sindon enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; discharged 
September 9, 1862, of wounds. 

William Selvey enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; died at Lit- 
tle Black River; mustered out May 2, 1862. 

Charles Shapley enlisted from Onarga, 111., October 19, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Martin Sutton enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; died in An- 
dersonville prison, April 13. 1864; grave 5515. 

Jacob Stevens enlisted from Chicago, November 1, 1861; veteran; promoted 
Bugler; mustered out October 31, 1865; returned to Chicago and has been honor- 
ably connected with the fire department for many years; his residence, 3133 Wahl 
street, Chicago. 

Almason Smith enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 1, 1861; mustered out 
January 3, 1865. 

Jeremiah Sullivan enlisted from Chicago, November 15, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Lemuel Simms enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 20, 1861. 

Manuel Simms enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 20, 1861. 

Edward Thistler enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10,1861; promoted 
Corporal; was captured by the enemy in August, 1863; was prisoner at Ander- 
sonville; mustered out November 10, 18ti4. 

George J. Van Wess enlisted from Onarga, 111., September 10, 1861; died 
at Keokuk, Iowa, October 8,' 1862. 

Joel Vaughn enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 12, 1861; dropped April 
30, 1862. 

Joseph Vaughn enlisted from Onarga, 111., November 12, 1861; dropped 
April 30, 1862. 

Samuel S. Worthington enlisted from Loda, 111., October 25, 1861; mustered 
out December 2, 1864. 

RECRUITS. 

Alexander Henry enlisted from Onarga, 111., December 1, 1861; died at 
Onarga, 111., March 8, 1862. 

William Braddock enlisted at Chicago, December 11, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Sergeant; mnstered out October 31, 1865. 

Isaac Brenner enlisted at Chicago, October 7, 1861; veteran; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Frederick Bohle enlisted from Chicago, January 1, 1862; discharged October 
12, 1862; disability. 

James Buford enlisted at Chicago, January 16, 1862; discharged February 5, 
1863; disability. 

Anson H. Barnes enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 359 

Samuel E. Brewer enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865. 

Jacob E. Brown enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; discharged April 
21, 1864, for disability; resides at Chatsworth, 111. 

William H. Brown enlisted from Stockton, March 20, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

James T. Boyles enlisted from Clear Creek, March 11, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Horace M. Bulsford enlisted from Onarga, 111., June 8, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Talket Boman enlisted at Chicago, March 7, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Thomas A. Butler enlisted at Chicago, March 2, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Michael Burns enlisted from Fenton, March 7, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles F. Bills enlisted at Onarga, 111., March 5, 1864; mustered out July 8, 
1865; resides at Onarga, 111. 

Henry A. Biglow enlisted from Clinton, October 3, 1864; mustered out Octo- 
ber 13, 1865; resides at Seattle, Washington Ty., Kings county. 

John Bunting enlisted from Perryton, March 7, 1865; mustered out June 7, 
1865. 

Charles Braddish enlisted at Chicago, March 20, 1865; deserted July 19, 1865. 

Thomas N. Crow enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865. 

George B. Crawford enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; promoted 
hospital steward. 

Geo. H. Cooper enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; killed at Oxford, 
Miss., August 13, 1864. 

George D. Canady enlisted at Chicago, April 25, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

David Crimmius enlisted from Onarga, 111., March 26, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Aaron Culver enlisted from Chicago, March 2, 1865; mustered out, October 
31, 1865. 

John II. Clark enlisted at Chicago, March 7, 1865; deserted July 4, 1865. 

William Daniels enlisted from Onarga, 111., February 1, 1862; died at St. 
Louis, Mo., March 1, 1862. 

Barnard Dunn enlisted from Onarga, 111., October 1, 1802; promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out, October 1, 1865. 

Henry Dean enlisted from Coral, February 23, 1865; mustered out, October 
31, 1865. 

Conrad Deiter enlisted from Chicago, February 25, 1865 ; mustered out, 
October 31, 1865. 

Frank Fuller enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; promoted Sergeant; 
mustered out July 8, 1865. 

James Feely enlisted from Ornaga, April 1, 1862. 



360 HISTORY OF THE 

Charles Foster enlisted from Middleton, April 24, 1864; mustered out October 
31, 1865, as blacksmith. 

Patrick Flemraing enlisted from Chicago, March 1, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Alonzo Frisby enlisted from Apple River, February 24, 1865; died at Ander- 
sonville, September 8, 1864; grave 8186. 

Adelbert W. Fuller enlisted from Fulton, 111., October 3, 1864; discharged 
October 31. 1865; resides at Waterman, 111. 

Henry Farnham enlisted from Harlem, 111., February 23, 1865; mustered out 
October 13, 1865. 

William Greer enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
January 16, 1865. 

Alfred N. Gabel enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
1865; now a resident of Ridgeville, 111. 

Franklin W. Graves enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865. 

Alexander Grant enlisted from Edgington, March?, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Clause Haft enlisted from Onarga, 111., December 1, 1861. 

Warren Hastings enlisted from Chicago, December 15, 1861; veteran; pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

D. W. Hunt enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; rejected September 
15, 1862. 

Thomas Hahn enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862. 

David B. Howard enlisted February 1, 1863, from Onarga, 111.; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; now living at Lincoln, Neb. 

William T. Harris enlisted from Chicago, March 1, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Anton Hoell enlisted from Chicago, March 3 : 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Leonard Hoover enlisted from Chicago, March 7, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

George Hostater enlisted from Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Julius Hoover enlisted from Chicago, March 7, 1865; died July 14, 1865, at 
Iuka, Miss. 

William H. Hannan enlisted from Chicago, March 6, 1865; deserted October 
27, 1865. 

Joseph W. Jones enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862. 

Rowlin R. Kitt enlisted from Pocahontas, Ark., May 2, 1862, and was dis- 
charged from the service at St. Louis, Mo., November 21, 1862, for disability, he 
having served with credit until sickness compelled him to go North. Of late 
years he has been a resident of Utica, Mo., where lie has built up a fine practice 
in the profession of the law, and is widely known as a leading man in his pro- 
fession. 

Samuel Kennedy enlisted from Chicago, March 7, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 361 

% Richard H. Kelly enlisted at Chicago, March 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Curtis L. Knight enlisted from Onarga, 111., December 3, 1863; discharged 
July 24, 1864; disability. 

Alfred C. Leason enlisted at Chicago, January 7, 1862; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out July 8, 1865; veteran. 

Silas C. Lockwood enlisted from Onarga, 111 , August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865. 

William Lewis enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865. 

Amos P. Little enlisted from Chicago, March 7, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Michael Lorcher enlisted at Chicago, March 1,1805; mustered out June 16, 
1865. 

Hudson Martin enlisted at Jacksonport, Ark., June 25, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865. 

James McMullen enlisted at Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862. 

Henry J. Mario enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862. 

Joseph Miller enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862. 

Lucian P. Mead enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865; residence, Watseka, 111. 

Joseph W. Morey discharged March 7, 1862. 

Benjamin F. Moore enlisted from Nunda, February 23. 1865; promoted 
Sergeant; mustered out October 81. 1865. 

James McGough enlisted at Chicago, March 1, 1865; promoted Corporal; 
mustered out October 31, I860. 

Christopher Montgomery enlisted from Onarga, 111., January 4, 1864; pro- 
moted Corporal; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Owen McMahon enlisted from Onarga, 111., March 26, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

John J. Maurer enlisted from Chicago, March 1, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Andrew Miller enlisted from Chicago, March 16, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Pendergast McGuire enlisted from Kewanee. 111., September 16, 1861; mus- 
tered out April 24, 1865. 

Thomas J. Moore enlisted from Chicago; veteran; promoted Saddler-Ser- 
geant and then First Sergeant; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

Hugh McCroy enlisted from Onarga, 111., January 4, 1864; deserted August 
5, 1865. 

John H. Norvall enlisted from Onarga, 111., January 4, 1864; promoted Cor- 
poral; mustered out October 31, 1865. 

George W. Norvall enlisted from Onarga, 111., January 4, 1864; mustered out 
July 13, 1865, as paroled prisoner of war. 

William Owen enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862. 

Robert A. Pope enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865, as Sergeant; resides at Hope, Dak. 

Henry Phelps enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out July 



362 HISTORY OF THE 

8, 1865; resides at Joplin, Mo., where he is a highly respected citizen; is now, 
1888, Commander (). P. Morton Post, 14; captured November 19, 1864, and con- 
fined in Cahaba prison. 

William Peters enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865; residence Hubbell, Neb. 

William H. Price enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862. 

John Robinson enlisted at Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; killed near Fish 
Creek, Miss., June 11, 1864. 

James Robinson enlisted at Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out June 
16, 1865; resides at Onarga, 111. 

William Reynolds enlisted from" Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1855. 

James Reed enlisted from Lysander, February 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Conrad Reidle enlisted from Chicago, March 3, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Michel Reidle enlisted from Chicago, March 3, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles Reed enlisted from Clinton, October 3, 1864; mustered out October 
13, 1865. 

Justus Scheine enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out July 
8, 1865. 

Robert M. Sutton enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; mustered out 
June 16, 1865; residence, Del Rey, 111. 

Fredrick Sindon enlisted from Onarga, 111., March 20, 1864; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Fredrick Schultz enlisted at Chicago, March 8, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Neal Sheets enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William Southwell enlifted from Chicago, February 25, 1865; murtered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Marcus Shick enlisted from Chicago, March 16, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles Shoerdait enlisted at Chicago, March 14, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Jacob Slick enlisted at Chicago, April 11, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

William Sewers enlisted at Chicago, April 4, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Cyrus Siders enlisted at Colona, 111., March 31, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Phillip Smithiner enlisted from Chicago, March 31, 1865; mustered out Oc- 
tober 31, 1865. 

John A. Selzer enlisted at Chicago, April 4, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Matthias Schmitz enlisted at Chicago, April 6, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 363 

John Schlauter enlisted from Chicago, March 30, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John Shoaf stall enlisted from Phoenix, March 30, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865; residence, Beatrice, Neb. 

William N. Skeels enlisted from Onarga. 111., January 1, 1863; died at Nash- 
ville, Tenn., December 24, 1864. 

Lester Thayer enlisted from Onarga, 111., August 1, 1862; promoted Sergeant; 
died at Memphis, Tenn., October 1, 1862. 

John L. Thomas enlisted at Chicago, April 3, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Adam Triesman enlisted at Chicago, March 4, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John Utterstrum enlisted at Chicago, December 3, 1861. 

Cornelius Vermule enlisted from Onargo, 111., December 11, 1861; veteran; 
mustered out October 31, 1865. 

John A. Walter enlisted at Chicago, January 7, 1862. 

Edward Wilson enlisted from Onargo, 111., August 1, 1852; mustered out 
June 16, 1862. 

Jerome L. Winchester enlisted at Chicago, March 20, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865, as Blacksmith 

William Wren enlisted from Thompson, March 28, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Barnard Wild enlisted from Shaumburgh, March 8, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Albert Williams enlisted at Chicago, February 25, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Charles Willits enlisted from Perryton, March 7, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

William F. Walters enlisted from Chicago, March 16, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Newton Wells enlisted from Colona, 111., March 31, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

Lyman T. Woods enlisted from Chicago February 22, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865; residence, Blue Mound, Kan. 

Simeon Wood enlisted at Chicago, March 27, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Jacob Wickerle enlisted at Chicago, March 30, 1865; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

John Wilsonholn enlisted from Cordova, 111., March, 1865; mustered out 
October 31, 1865. 

Albert J . Woodward enlisted from Apple River, March 24, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 

Jacob Wolf enlisted from Niles, March 30, 1865; mustered out October 31, 
1865. 

Hamilton White enlisted from Chicago, March 28, 1865; mustered out Octo- 
ber 31, 1865. 

George W. Wilson enlisted from Black Hawk, March 28, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865. 



364 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

William J. Woodside enlisted from Black Hawk, March 28, 1865; mustered 
out October 31, 1865; residence, Grundy Center, Iowa. 

Percival M. Waite enlisted from Clinton, October 3, 1864; mustered out 
October 13, 1865; now living at Sugar Grove, 111. 

Josiah Wright enlisted from Spring, February 16, 1865; mustered out Sep- 
tember 29, 1865. 

Edward J. Williams enlisted from Marion county, February 27, 1865; de- 
serted August 11, 1865.* 

It will be noticed that the word " deserted " appears against 
the names of a number of the former members of this regiment. 
It will also be observed that it applies mostly to those that en- 
listed during the latter part of 1864 and in the spring and sum- 
mer of 1865, and largely from the recruits; very few of the old 
soldiers are so designated. 

It may be said, in behalf of some of those to whom the odium 
of the word attaches, that they felt that the war was over, and 
they took this short way of cutting military red tape and the 
delays thereof, and simply went home, and while it can not be 
considered otherwise than as disgraceful, the stigma is not so 
great as if they had deserted in the face of the enemy. 

* Note.— There were mustered into the regiment 286 recruits who were not assigned to 
companies, whose names do not appear in this book. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry — Their Departure for St. Louis — His- 
tory of the Regiment — Its Organization, Equipment and Charac- 
ter — Sketches op Officers. 

[.From the New YnrK Tribune, February 17. 1862~\ 
The Ninth Illinois Cavalry Regiment, Colonel Brackett commanding, which 
has been quartered at Camp Douglas as a whole since the 1st of November last, 
commences leaving this city for St. Louis to-day (Monday), in pursuance of imper- 
ative marching orders received on Saturday morning. The departure of this 
regiment, necessarily occupying the larger part of two days, will not probably be 
completed before Tuesday night. Owing to the large number of horses, and a 
vast amount of stores, over one hundred and thirty cars will be required, a de- 
mand upon transportation not easily answered. The St. Louis, Alton & Chicago 
Railroad Company, however, are using their utmost energies to meet this call, 
which was made unexpected^, and probably Tuesday night will see the regi- 
ment, which has become familiar to the public from its frequent parades, finally 
departed, and leaving Camp Douglas almost entirely deserted of troops. 

ORGANIZATION, ETC. 

Brackett's cavalry regiment commenced organizing during the last of Au- 
gust, 1861, and the first troops came into camp on the 15th of the following Sep- 
tember. The work of recruiting was carried on vigorously and rapidly under 
the auspices of Lieutenant-Colonel Paddock and other officers, and on the 1st of 
November, 1861, the regiment mustered in for pay. It is pre-eminently an Illi- 
nois regiment, as will be seen from the following localities of each company: 

Company A, Rock Island, 111.; Company B, Geneseo, 111.; Company C, 
Geneseo, 111.; Company D.Chicago, 111.; Company E, Lake County, Ind.; Com- 
pany F, Chicago, 111.; Company G, Porter county, Ind.; Company H, Kewanee, 
111.; Company I, Belvidere, 111.; Company K, Princeton, 111.; Company L, 
Chicago, 111.; Company M, Onarga, 111. The regiment now numbers 1,065 men, 
all told. 

EQUIPMENTS, ETC. 

The camp equipage of the regiment consists of two hundred and eighty excell- 
ent tents, costing .$29,000. The arms which have not been procured will consist 
foreach man of one Colt's revolver, one Sharp's carbine, and one regulation saber, 
the aggregate costing in the neighborhood of $75,000. Of horse equipments, 
there have been purchased 1,148, costing $38 each, in all $43,320. 

The clothing cost $50,000. During their stay in camp, the monthly bills for 
forage and food have been $7,500; for rations per day, $139.10, or $4,173 per 
month; in all, for subsistence about $12,000, 

365 



366 HISTORY OF THE 



The horses purchased for this regiment numher 1,175 and cost $129,250. 
They are decidedly a splendid lot of animals, and are now in excellent condition, 
showing good keeping and skillful care. During the stay in camp, especial at- 
tention has been paid to training and drilling the horses, and they are now 
thoroughly versed in cavalry movements. They are of good size, in excellent 
flesh, and uniform in color, as will be seen by the following classification 
Companies A, B,E, G, K and M have bay horses Company C, light sorrels 
Company L, chestnut sorrels; Company D, brown ; Companies F and I, black 
Company H, gray. 

In fact it is doubtful whether any regiment has left us more thoroughly 
equipped with the single exception of arms in every particular. In the accom- 
plishment of this desideratum, the regiment has had the benefit of Colonel Brack- 
ett's long experience in cavalry service, seconded by the excellent judgment and 
sound business qualifications of Quartermaster Price. It is not alone in tke^ma- 
terirl of war that this regiment is thoroughly prepared. The officers are men of 
experience and ability; the men completely fitted themselves in the cavalry drill, 
and have spent their camp life to good purposes, as their frequent appearances in 
our streets have indicated. Their excellent behavior in camp and their gen- 
uine soldierly appearance have won for them deservedly the appellation of the 
crack regiment of Camp Douglas. We are sure they will extend that reputation 
in the future. 

The following is the roster of the regiment, revised and corrected : 



Colonel, Albert G. Brackett (Captain Second United States Cavalry) Lieuten- 
ant-Colonel, Solomon A. Paddock ; Major, Rosell M. Hough (Aid-de-camp to Ma- 
jor-General Hunter); Major, Hiram F. Sickles; Major, Hector J. Humphrey: 
Adjutant, Thomas W. Stevenson ; Quartermaster, Samuel H. Price ; Surgeon, 
James W. Brackett; Assistant Surgeon, Charles Brackett; Chaplain, O. Winsor 
Briggs; Sergeant-Major, Geo. A. Price; Quartermaster-Sergeant, Edward A. 
Davenport; Commissary-Sergeant, William E. Walker. 

FIRST BATTALION OFFICERS. 

Adjutant, Charles M. Waterbury; Quartermaster, Joseph W. Brackett; Ser- 
geant Major, Henry Lattz ; Quartermaster-Sergeant, Chailes A. Snow; Commis- 
sary-Sergeant, Charles B. Paddock. 

SECOND BATTALION OFFICERS. 

Adjutant, Samuel Rockwood; Quartermaster, Thomas E. Morrison ; Sergeant- 
Major, James Smith; Quartermaster-Sergeant, Malcom J. Bliss; Commissary Ser- 
geant, Royal Neskins; Hospital Steward, Seldon Miner. 

THIRD BATTALION OFFICERS. 

Adjusted, Frank Cantello. Quartermaster, Frank Sheffield; Sergeant- 
Major, Curtis L. Knight; Quartermaster; Sergeant, William G. Mortz. Commissary 
Sergeant, Charles McDuffie. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 367 

TROOP OFFICERS. 

Troop A, Captain Harry B. Burgh; First Lieutenant, William. C. Blackburn, 
Second Lieutenant; William. W. Benton. Troop B, Captain Thaddeus W. O. 
Braffett; First Lieutenant, Ransom Harrington; Second Lieutenant, Arthur M. 
Kinzie (Aid-de-camp to Major General Hunter). Troop C, Captain, John S. 
Buckles; First Lieutenant, Charles W. Blakemore; Second Lieutenant, Francis H. 
Mc Arthur. Troop. D, Captain, William J. Wallis; First Lieutenant, L. Cowen; 
Second Lieutenant, John H. McMahon. Troop E, Captain, IraR. Gilford; First 
Lieutenant, Richard D. Ellsworth; Second Lieutenant, Benjamin O. Wilkinson. 
Troop F, Captain, Bernard, F. Stampoffski;First Lieutenant, Marland L. Perkins; 
Second Lieutenant, Erastus G. Butler. Troop G, Captain, Henry M. Buel; First 
Lieutenant, John E. Warner; Second Lieutenant, A. F. Brown. Troop H 
Captain Linus D. Bishop; First Lieutenant, Edwin W. Luce; Second Lieutenant, 
Walter B. Anderson. Troop I, Captain, William M. Chidister; First Lieutenant, 
Joseph W. Harper, Second Lieutenant, Leander L. Shattuck. Troop K, 
Captain, Charles S. Cameron; First Lieutenant, Joseph H. Knox; Second Lieu- 
tenant, William McMannis. Troop L, Captain, Louis F. Booth; First Lieutenant, 
Charles F. Scammon; Second Lieutenant, William E. Bailey. Troop M, Cap- 
tain Eliphalet R. Knight; First Lieutenant, Jacob C. Shear; Second Lieutenant, 
Jacob Riner. 

The regiment is peculiarly fortunate in its officers. The very name of Brack- 
ett is invested with historic interest. The Colonel is pre-eminently a soldier, 
bronzed with warfare, though comparatively young in years; under his command 
a splendid future is in prospect, and wherever deeds of daring are to be accom- 
plished and wherever the fight waxes hottest, there we shall expect to hear of the 
Ninth Cavalry. And, on the other hand, the officers are to be congratulated 
upon the general character, physical strength, genuine martial appearance and 
excellent drill of their command; qualities that must tell in the future, and in 
the present give to this command the reputation of being one of the finest cav- 
alry regiments in the United States. 

[From Andrea*'' History of Chicago, 1885.] 

The Ninth Cavalry was organized at Camp Douglas, Chicago, in September, 
1861, by Colonel Albert G. Brackett, of Rock Island, 111., and was mustered into 
service on November 30th. Amoug its field officers from Chicago were Major 
Rosell M. Hough, formerly aid to General Hunter, with whom he had served in 
Missouri, and later, Colonel of the Sixty-Seventh Infantry; Major William J. Wal- 
lis; Adjutant John H. Carpenter; and Quartermaster Samuel H. Price. 

Company F was recruited in Chicago by Captain Bernard F. Stampoffski, 
an old and well known citizen, who had formerly served in the Florida war for 
for eight months, and as a member of Company F, Second United States Dra- 
goons; was engaged in the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma, in May, 
1846. Lieutenant Erastus G. Butler, of the same company served in Company E, 
Third United States Artillery in the Mexican War, and was at the battles of Mon- 
terey and Buena Vista. The officers of this company were exclusively Chicago- 
ans during its whole term of service. Captain Charles S. Cameron, of Company 
K, abandoned a large and lucrative law business to enter the army. First Lieu- 



368 HISTORY OF THE 

tenant Joseph H. Knox, Company K, son of Hon. Joseph Knox, was a graduate 
of Williams College, and had just been admitted to the bar when he joined the 
regiment. He served with the Ninth until April 5, 1862, when he resigned. First 
Lieutenant Charles T. Scammon, son of Hon. J. Y. Scammon, had just graduated 
from Chicago University, when he joined the Ninth Cavalry, and waselected Lieu- 
tenant of Company L, serving in that capacity until promoted Captain of Com- 
pany H, January 15, 1868. During this time he also served on the staff of Gen- 
eral Steele in Arkansas. Lieutenant Arthur M. Kinzie served with Company B 
until the expiration of his term, September 30, 1864. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry left Chicago on February 17, 1862, and moved to 
Benton Barracks, St. Louis, and thence to Pilot Knob, where it commenced its 
long campaign in Missouri and Arkansas, as a part of the Third Brigade of Gen- 
eral Frank Steele's division. With that command it joined General Curtis' army 
at Jacksonport, Ark., on May 23d, and during June participated in two serious 
skirmishes in the vicinity of the camp losing twelve wounded and one missing 
at Waddell's plantation, on June 12th; and on June 27th, at Stewart's plantation, 
two killed and thirty-five wounded, Colonel Brackett being among the latter. On 
June26th,the Ninth with Steele's division commenced the march to Helena, Ark., 
arriving July 14th. The troops suffered extremely during the march from lack of 
water and rations, five men of the Ninth dying from - the hardships and privations 
endured. At Helena the regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade, Fourth 
Division (Hovey's), ofSteele's Arkansas army. 

Two twelve-pounder mountain howitzers were assigned the regiment on Sep- 
tember 15th, which, under command of Lieutenant E. G. Butler, did good service 
during the expedition of General Washburn into Mississippi, of which the regi- 
ment formed a part. 

On January 9, 1863, it embarked with General Gorman at Helena, and pro- 
ceeded up the White River to Duval's Bluff, which was found evacuated, and the 
expedition returned to Helena, arriving January 23d. On April 7th, the Ninth 
moved to Memphis, and thence, on April 12, to Germantown, Tenn., where, 
with Colonel McCrellis' brigade, it was employed in scouting and sldimishing in 
Southern Tennessee and Northern Mississippi through the eDtire sumn er, being 
engaged at Coldwater on July 28th; at Granada, Augu^tlSth; Salem, October 8th, 
and at Wyatt, October 13th. In November the regiment marched from La Grange 
to Collierville, Tenn., where it was assigned toGrierson's cavalry division, and on 
December 4th, took an honorable and conspicuous part in the battle at Moscow, 
Tenn., On February 11th it marched with Generals Grierson and Smith into 
Mississippi, and was engaged on February 20th, at West Point, February 21st at 
Okolona, and on the 23d at Mount Ivy, The following day it went into camp at 
Germantown, Tenn., where, on March 16th, it re-enlisted as a veteran organiza- 
tion. On the 17th it marched to Memphis and immediately returned to Illinois 
on veteran furlough. 

On April 29th, the regiment returned to Memphis, and in June a detachment, 
with Grierson's cavalry, accompanied General Sturgison his disastrous expedition 
to Guntown, Miss., acting as rear guard on the retreat of his forces. During the 
expedition the Ninth lost five killed, twenty-three wounded twelve captund, out 
of one hundred and sixty engaged. It also formed a part of the force of General 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 369 

Griersonin his expedition with General A. J. Smith to Tupelo, Miss. The Ninth 
forming the cavalry advance, had a severe engagement at Pontotoc, Miss., and was 
engaged July 14th and 15th, at Tupelo and Old Town Creek, Miss. During August 
it accompanied General A. J. Smith's expedition to the Tallahatchie, meeting the 
enemy on August 11th, at Oxford, and August 13th, at Hurricane Creek, in the latter 
engagement losing four killed and several wounded. On September 4th, it returned 
to camp at Memphis, and remained until September 30th, under Captain Black- 
burn, Company A. It then moved with General Hatch's division to Clift< n. Ttnn., 
where it crossed the Tennessee, and thence returned to near Florence, Ala., to 
meet the advance of Hood's army. On November 9th the regiment drove the 
enemy from a ford on Shoal Creek, where it was ordered to cross on the 11th, 
and strike the enemy in the rear. At the same time the brigade was to dislodge 
the enemy and cross at a lower ford. The command failed to dislodge the Con- 
federates, who held the lower ford in force, but the Ninth by a sudden and unex- 
pected attack on their rear, caused them to retire from their position sufficiently 
to allow the regiment to pass through their lines to the Creek, which they re 
crossed and joined the brigade. On November 19th the brigade was ordered to 
advance from Shoal Creek to Bailey Springs. It crossed the creek and advanced 
a short distance, when it encountered General Buford's Confederate cavalry, 
Which attacked and nearly surrounded it. The command, however, succeeded 
in re-crossing at another ford and on the following day the retreat towards Nash- 
ville commenced. The Ninth was engaged November 24th at Campbell sville, 
Tenn., in protecting the army train, and participated in the battles at Franklin 
and in front of Nashville. It then joined in the pursuit of Hood's army to the 
Tennessee River, and, at its discontinuance, moved toEastport, Miss., and finally 
to Gravelly Springs, near Florence, Ala., where it remained in camp at that 
point until June 23d, when it moved to Iuka, Miss., thence, on July 4th, to Decatur, 
Ala., and thence to Montgomery, Selma, and to Gainsville, Ala., arriving at the 
latter place August 20th. 

On October 31, 1865, it was mustered out of service at Selma, Ala., and 
ordered to Springfield, 111., for final payment, arriving on November 10th. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry marched twenty thousand miles, and was never 
employed in garrison duty after leaving Chicago in February, 1862. 

HISTORY OF NINTH CAVALRY. 

[Frorr. the Adjutant-GencraVs Report of Illinois.] 
The Ninth Regiment of Cavalry was organized at Camp Douglas, near Chi- 
cago, 111., in the autumn of 1861, by Colonel Albert G. Brackett, and was fully 
mustered into the United States service by November 30th. 

On the 16th of February, 1862, it started from Chicago and proceeded by 
rail to Benton Barracks, near St. Louis, Mo., and thence to Pilot Knob. From 
there it marched to Reeve's Station, on the Big Black River, and was assigned 
to the Third Brigade of General Steele's division, serving in the District of 
Southeast Missouri. 

From Reeve's Station it marched to Jacksonport, Ark., wJiere Colonel 
Brackett was left in command, the other portion of the division moving on to 
Batesville, where it joined the Army of the Southw T est, under command of 
Major-General S. R. Curtis. 
24 



370 HISTORY OF THE 

On the 21st of May, Private P. W. Pringle, of Company G, was murdered 
in cold blood by the rebels and his body left lying in a swamp near Jacksonport. 
On the 24th the regiment crossed Black River and encamped in the woods. 

M iv 28th, rive companies, under Lieutentaut-Colonel Hiram F. Sickles, had a 
skirmish with the Confederates at Cache River Bridge, routing them with con- 
siderable loss. In this affair Battalion-Adjutant Blackburn and Private Tift 
were wounded. 

Captain Blakemore had a skirmish on the same day on the Augusta road 

with portions of three companies of the Ninth against a Confederate force, in 

which two Confederate soldiers were captured, one of whom was very severely 

wounded. 

Upon the approach of the Confederate gunboat Maurepas, Captain Joseph 

Fry, the Ninth fell back two miles and a half, when the vessel shelled its late 
camp with sixty-four pounders. This was on the 2d of June. As soon as 
the boat retired the regiment went back to its former camp. 

The Confedate soldiers on the 12th of June attempted to capture a valuable 
train near the Waddell farm, five miles from Jacksonport, but were utterly de- 
feated and driven off by Colonel Brackett with two companies of Missouri cav- 
alrv and four companies of the Ninth, with a loss of twenty eight killed, 
wounded and missing. Our loss was thirteen wounded and missing. 

Captain Marland L. Perkins with his company made a reconnoissance toward 
Augusta, down the right bank of White River, in June, and had two skirmish) s 
with the enemy in which a Confederate soldier was killed, and he had one horte 
killed and two wounded. He returned to camp June 23d. 

Again on the 27th of June, 1862, a large force of the enemy attacked a gov- 
ernment train near Stewart's plantation; it was beaten off with severe loss, and 
the valuable train saved. On our side two were killed and thirty-one wounded, 
among the latter being Colonel Brackett, Major Wallis, Battalion-Adjutant 
Blackburn and Captain Knight. Five of the enemy's dead were seen on the 
ground 

This was the day after the regiment had started on the march for Helena, 
with the whole of General Curtis' army. During the march five men of the 
regiment died from hardships, it being almost impossible to obtain water. This 
was one of the most famous marches of the Civil War. 

At Helena the regiment was assigned to the Third Brigade, Colonel Cyrus 
Bassey, of General A. P. Hovey's division, District of Southeastern Arkansas, 
commanded by General Steele. 

The regiment received two small twelve-pounder howitzers on the 15th of Sep- 
tember, which, being placed under command of Lieutenant E. G. Butler, with 
details from various companies, rendered excellent service. 

At the fight at La Grange, Ark., two companies of the regiment, with 
soldiers of other regiments, under Captain Marland L. Perkins, with the two 
howitzers just referred to, behaved very gallantly against a considerable force of 
the enemy; he losing over fifty men, while our loss was inconsiderable. This 
was on the 8th of November. The command also repulsed a charge of two 
regiments of Texans. 

During the night of October 11th a part of the regiment captured a rebel 
picket of twelve men near Helena, Ark. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 3Yl 

Brigadier-General C. C. Washburn led an expedition, composed of paits of 
several cavalry regiments, from Helena across the Mississippi River into the State 
of Mississippi, during part of November and December, 1862. He had a skirm- 
ish with the enemy at Okolona, on the 6th of November and at Coffeeville on the 
7th, in both of which he was successful and accomplished the main object of his 
expedition, which was to give the leaders of the rebel forces an idea that his 
troops were the advance guard of a large Union army sent to cut off the retreat of 
General Price and his rebels from their position. Price believed it and left 
accordingly. In Washburn's command Major Harry B. Burgh had one hundred 
and fifty men of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

January 9, 1863, the Ninth marched with General Gorman's command from 
Helena to Duvall's Bluff and returned. On the the 7th of April, it moved up the 
Mississippi River to Memphis, Tenn., and on the 12th to Germantown, where 
it was assigned to McCrillis' brigade of Cavalry of the Sixteeeth Army Corps. 
It was engaged with tbe enemy at Coldwater, Miss., July 28th, and at Grenada 
August 18th, and moved to La Grange, Tenn., August 26th; made an attack upon 
the enemy at Salem, Miss., October 8th, and drove him from his position; met the 
enemy at Wyatt, Miss., October 12th, and after fighting all day the rebels fell 
back and retreated during the n ; ght. 

November 8th, moved from La Grange to Corinth, and returned soon after- 
ward; marched to Colliersville, and was assigned to the Second Brigade Caval- 
ry Division of the Sixteenth Army Corps; was engaged with the enemy at 
Saulsbury, Tenn., and on the 4th the division, under command of General Grier- 
son, was engaged at Moscow, Tenn. In this fight the Ninth took a conspicuous 
part. 

In January, 1864, the regiment was in the Second Brigade, commanded by 
Colonel Albert G. Brackett, of Grierson's Division, Sixteenth Corps, Army of 
Tennessee, at Colliersville, and detachment under Major Ira R. Gifford had a 
brisk skirmish with a portion of Forrest's command, which had made an attack 
upon the Memphis & Charleston Railroad, in which several of the enemy were 
killed and wounded. 

February 11, 1864, the regiment moved out by order of General Sherman 
against the enemy, with the Union force organized under General William Sooy 
Smith, Chief of Cavalry of the Division of the Mississippi, with a view to over- 
throw the rebel cavalry under General Forrest. He pushed across the country 
as rapidly as possible, crossed the Tallahatchie River at New Albany without 
opposition and moved on to Okolona, on the Mobile & Ohio Railway, meantime 
having been engaged with the enemy at West Point on the 20th of February, at 
Okolanathe 21st and at Mount Ivy on the 23d. While a portion of the command 
was sent to threaten Columbus, the main body moved on, destroying an immense 
amount of corn, cotton, and other stores of great value to the Confederates. 
The regiment returned to and encamped at Germantown on the 24th of Febru- 
ary. Although the chief object of the expedition was not accomplished, the 
cavalry had inflicted heavy injuries upon the Confederates. 

On the 16th of March the regiment was mustered as a veteran organization, 
and the following day marched to Memphis, whence the men returned to Illinois, 
on the usual furlough granted to veterans. 

April 27th, the men of the regiment returned to Memphis from furlough, and 



372 HISTORY OF THE 

a short time thereafter a portion of them accompanied General Sturgis on his 
expedition against the enemy. At Gnntown, Miss., on the 10th of June, our 
forces met with a severe check and were obliged to give way. The Ninth formed 
a portion of the rear guard, losing five killed, twenty-three wounded and twelve 
captured out of one hundred and sixty men. 

Upon the failure of this expedition another, under General Andrew J. Smith, 
was fitted out and marched from Saulsbury to Pontotoc, where a fight occurred 
on the 11th of July, and meeting the enemy in force near Tupelo, another action 
took place, the Confederates being driven from the field, leaving a large number 
of dead and wounded comrades. The next day, July 15th, a severe cavalry fight 
occurred at Old Town Creek, where the Ninth acquitted itself with credit, and 
afterwards returned to Memphis. 

In August the regiment marched by way of Holly Springs to Abbeville, Miss., 
where it had a skirmish with the enemy, and on the 11th had another brush at 
Oxford. A severe fight took place at Hurricane Creek, the Ninth taking an hon- 
orable share, losing four killed and several wounded. It returned to its station 
at Memphis September 4th. 

With Captain William C. Blackburn in command the regiment moved out 
again on the 30th of September, and, after crossing the Tennessee River at Clif- 
ton, marched by way of Waynesboro, Lawrenceburg, Florence, Ala., Waterloo, 
Hamburg and Savannah to Clifton, pursuing the rebels under General Wheeler. 
The command returned again to Florence, and there met the advance of General 
II >i) l's army. The division to which the Ninth was attached did some hard 
fighting at Shoal Creek, Ala., on the 9th of November. On the 19th of the same 
month crossed the river and two days afterward attacked the enemy near Law- 
renceburg, Tenn., the Ninth Illinois Cavalry being in the advance. Two divis 
ions of the enemy coming up compelled it to re-cross the river, ar>d in so doing, 
one battalion becoming detached passed through the rebel line, and was com- 
pelled to remain in rear of the enemy until, under cover of the darkness, it re- 
crossed the stream and joined its friends. 

For several days after this the regiment skirmished with the enemy's advance 
an 1 at Oimpbellsville, Tenn., on the 24th of November was hotly engaged. Here 
it kept its ground, holding back many times its own number of rebels, until its 
ammunition was entirely exhausted, when the men fought the Confederates hand 
to hand, clubbing their carbines and doing much to retard their march. 

The Ninth took part in the fierce battle of Franklin, Tenn., on the 30th of 
November, 1864, and did what was in its power toward crippling the Confederate 
army under General Hood . This battle was pronounced by Secretary Stanton 
as the bloodiest of the war, in proportion to the numbers engaged. 

At the great battles of Nashville, on the 15th and 16th of December, the 
Tegiment belonged to the Second Brigade of the Fifth Division of the Cavalry 
Corps, and sustained its well-earned reputation for valor. It participated in a 
well directed charge upon a redoubt occupied by the enemy, which it carried and 
at the same time captured four pieces of artillery and took one hundred and 
fifty prisoners, sharing in the final rout of the enemy. 

Soon the army of General Hood was in full retreat, and the Ninth partici- 
pated in the chase which resulted in its destruction, skirmishing with portions of 
it at Brentwood, on the Franklin pike, near Franklin, at Rulhtrloid's Cieek and 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 373 

Ross' farm. The roads had now hecome impassible, the rivers were filled to the 
tops of the banks, and the enemy could not be followed any farther. The dis- 
pirited foe was driven across the Tennessee River on the night of the 27th of Decem- 
ber, and it being impossible to supply our army the campaign closed with the 
closing of the year. General Thomas, in his order respecting these military 
movements, said: "Although short the campaign has been brilliant in its achiev 
ments, and unsurpassed in its results by ary other of this war, and is one of 
which all who participated therein may be justly proud." The command moved 
to Huntsville, Florence, Eastport, and Gravelly Springs. There not being a 
sufficient number of horses to mount all of the cavalry, Hatch's division was 
deprived of its animals, which were turned over to the other division prepara- 
tory to their march farther south, and in consequence the Ninth was dismounted 
and left at Eastport on the 9th of February, 1865. As horses could be obtained 
the regiment was again supplied acd marched to Iuka, Miss., on the 23d of June, 
and thence to Decatur, Ala., July 4th. From there it went to Montgomery, 
Selma and Gainesville, and was finally mustered out of service at Selma, Ala., 
on the 31st of October, 1865, and ordered to Springfield, 111., where the men 
received final payment and discharge. 

The organization as a whole had done good service, and always bore a fine 
reputation. Through swamps and across rivers it had followed the enemy, amid 
the heat of summer and the snows of winter, and was entitled to the thanks of 
the State, as well as the gratitude of the Federal Government. To have partici- 
pated in the Arkansas and Nashville campaigns, and received the thanks of Gen- 
erals Curtis and Thomas, was something to be proud of aid reflected honor upon 
Illinois. 



CHAPTER XXV. 
Prison Life — Something About Andersonville Prison. 

AT Andersonville prison, Ga., while our poor soldiers were be- 
ing nearly starved to death and were dying at the rate of an 
average of over fifty a day, and while hope had fled from nearly all 
those who remained under the inhuman and brutal treatment of 
the fiends in human form, Wirtz and Lieutenant Davis (a nephew 
of Jefferson Davis), who was almost as brutal as "Wirtz himself; 
at times when our poor fellows would give way to dark despair, 
and were envious of those who were released through the awful 
gates of death from this hell on earth, it is said that the} 7 sometimes 
gave way to the jollity of anguish and despair; such songs as the fol- 
lowing I have been told by those who participated in the singing, 
were often heard: 

There's a mist on the glass congealing, 
'Tis the icy breath of death, 
Here's a health to the dead already, 
Hurrah for the next man that dies. 
Then stand to your glasses steady, 
This world is a world of sighs, 
Here's a health to the dead already, 
Hurrah for the next man that dies. 

The Union dead at Andersonville from March to Xovember, 
1864, was a little under twelve thousand in eight months. 

SKETCH OF PRISON LIFE. 
[By Charles C. White, Sergeant of Company Z>.] 
About August 15, 1863, the Ninth, with other troops of the command, set 
out on what was known as the " Grenada, Raid," one object of which was to cap- 
ture and run back to Memphis over the Tennessee & Mississippi Railroad a large 
quantity of rolling stock known to be collected at Grenada, Miss., for safe keep- 
ing and use by the enemy where needed. After forced marches and a number of 
skirmishes we reached the objective point just at night of the 19th, as nearly 
as I can now remember, only to And that the rebels, apparently aware of our pur- 
pose, had fired the railroad bridge over the Yallabusha River, thus rendering it 

374 



\ 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 375 

impossible for us to secure the plunder, which was accordingly destroyed where 
it stood. I shall never forget the conflagration that ensued, and the pandemo- 
nium occasioned by the screeching of locomotive whistles, every one of which 
was opened by the bo> s as soon as they could get up steam enough for a noise. 
Hundreds of burning cars of all kinds made a fire such as every living man 
remembers who saw it. 

The fire, the darkness of the night, the unearthly screech of the whistles, 
and the terror of the citizens, who expected the destruction of their homes, com- 
bined to make the scene a memorable one. 

The work of destruction completed, and no further business appearing, our 
command set out on its return from Memphis and adjacent points on the Mem- 
phis & Charleston Railroad from whence it started. On the third day of the 
return march, it being the 22d day of March, 1863, occurred an event full of inter- 
est to the few who participated in it, the narrative of which, with its result, is the 
purpose of this sketch. 

On the forenoon of this day came an order for the detailing of two men from 
each company for forage duty, their efforts to be directed to the securing of horses 
for dismounted men whose horses had given out on the march. 

Captain Cowen directed the writer to make the detail from Company D, and 
obtaining leave from him to go as one, he detailed Corporal Schaffer as the other. 
We set out under command of Lieutenant Shattuck, of Company I, upon what 
proved a most disastrous expedition to those engaged in it, resulting in the death 
of Corporal Schaffer, a most excellent soldier, the capture of A. B. Welsh, of 
Company A; E. M. Thisler, of Company M, and myself. The remainder of the 
party, after being chased over a considerable portion of Northern Mississippi, 
finally, and by the skin of their teeth, succeeded in getting through to our lines, 
sans horses, sans clothes, sans everything in fact, but their bodies. Literally 
they " went out for wool and came back shorn." The survivors of that party 
who may see these lines, will, I think, agree that the latter is a pretty exact state- 
ment of the fact. 

The circumstances leading to this result were about as follows: After con- 
siderable time spent in chasing some young horses over a plantation some dis- 
tance to the left of our marching column, and with small results, we started 
for other conquests, but were discovered and pursued by a body of the enemy's 
cavalry that was hovering on our flank. 

Lieutenant Shattuck saw the danger and attempted escape by way of a road 
leading in the direction we wished to go, but unfortunately, to the Cold Water 
River at a point where the bridge had been washed away and the water too deep 
for fording, arrived at the river and hoping that our pursuers were distanced or 
eluded, several of the men, to avoid wetting clothes, haversacks, etc., stripped 
and swam the stream with their horses. At this critical juncture, while some of 
the men and horses were yet in the river, firing began upon us Irom the rear. 
That there was a lively effort on our part to get to cover, goes without saying. 
It was here that Corporal Schaffer wa< mortally wounded, and a number of our 
horses killed. That more of the boys were not hit while getting out of the water, 
seems unaccountable, as I distinctly remember some of them ran up the river 
bank amid a shower of buckshot and bullets. Several were obliged to abandon 



376 HISTORY OF THE 

their clothes and arms and continue the retreat without them. As can easily be 
imagined we were, by this time, somewhat disorganized and scattered. Being 
among the first to cross the river, I got cover behind the nearest tree but uncom- 
fortably close to tbe river and in easy range of the guns on the other side. I had, 
however, a fair view of the field and used my carbine to seme advantage. Seme 
time after firing had ceased and as soon as I deemed it safe to do so I slipped 
away from the shelter of my friendly tree in search of the comrades, but found 
only A. B. Welsh, of Company A. The others, as we afterwards learned, con- 
cluding that we were either killed or had taken care of ourselves, divided up their 
stock of clothing between them and continued the retreat. After considerable 
adventurous wandering and artful dodging of dogs and bushwhackers, they 
finally reached camp in a badly battered condition. From what was told me I 
judge that the aggregate stock of clothing owned and worn by that crowd on that 
occasion was really small, and much damaged, that it was somewhat decollete in 
style, and that some of it did not fit the wearer '"just like the paper on the wall," 
that there were not pantaloons enough to go round and some were obliged to 
clothe their lower limbs with badly fitting under garments. For these and other 
reasons thej r avoided public thoroughfares and sought the privacy of the by-ways 
and bushes. 

Finding ourselves alone and left to take care or ourselves, Welsh and the 
writer sought the road and soon came face to face with a squad of the enemy 
coming from the other direction who had been attracted by the firing. Retreat 
seeming out of the question we surrendered as prisoners and were hurried off to 
Panola, Miss., thence in a day or two to Grenada, where we had a view of the 
landscape under rather different conditions than those to which I have referred. 
The still smoking ruins visible on every side, and to which our attention was 
rather discourteously invited, seemed to be an annoyance, to the citizens of the 
place, and we overheard remarks that caused us to fear that possibly we were 
disliked by them because of our supposed part in the destruction. 

Their denunciations of " Yankees " in general, and of the two present in par- 
ticular, took a wide range, and were from " lively to severe." Some even bor- 
dered upon the profane, and altogether they were of a nature to make us feel 
uncomfortable. However, our guards stowed us carefully away in the second 
story of a brick business house that escaped the conflagration, where a few days 
later we were comforted by the sudden appearance of our fat and genial friend, 
Ed. Thisler, of Company M, to whom we gave a most enthusiastic welcome. 
Though somewhat embarrassed by circumstances, Thisler was himself, and soon 
composed his mind into rest, so as not to lose any of his flesh. He was of the 
party that got away with Shattuck, became separated from it in a quest for food 
(Ed. was always hungry), was gobbled and sent to join us. This is perhaps a 
suitable place for the writer to pay a tribute to the cheerfulness, patience, and 
quiek-wittedness of E. M. Thisler. In him the fire of good cheer and companion- 
ship never went out. He never became discouraged, and was always ready with 
some new scheme or device to break the monotony and to mitigate the unpleas- 
ant and uncomfortable conditions of our prison life. 

After a week or two spent in our "upper chamber" at Grenada, we were 
marched across the country one hundred miles east to West Point, on the Mobile 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 377 

& Ohio Railroad, and sent to Atlanta via Meridian, Selma and Montgomery. It 
was our good fortune on this march to fall inio the hands of Captain McMahon, 
of a Mississippi regiment, a cousin of our Lieutenant McMahon, of Company D. 
He was genial, had a failing for the native peach hrandy, was mellow under its 
influence and treated us with special consideration because of our relations to his 
cousin. 

After a sojourn of about two weeks in the Atlanta "bull pen," as it was 
called, the representation of the Ninth, together with a large number of other 
prisoners that had been gathered there, were shipped by rail via Augusta, Colum- 
bia, Charlotte, Weldon and Petersburg to Richmond, where we were confined for 
a short time in the famous Libby prison. We were kept here, however, only 
long enough to be searched and robbed of any valuables that had escaped the 
notice of the other spoilers in whose custody we had been. Up to this time there 
might have been some excuse for the forcible exchanges that took place between 
us and our captors, as they were in need of the plunder. We acknowledged the 
force and application of the Jacksonian doctrine that "to the victor belong the 
spoils," but the robbery officially perpetrated upon us at Libby by and with the 
consent of Major Turner, the prison commandant, was without excuse and con- 
temptibly mean. In order to induce prisoners to voluntarily give up concealed 
money and valuables that a search might not disclose, they promised the return 
of them when we should be paroled or exchanged, but said that everything with- 
held and discovered by search would be conlscated, and no restitution made. 

Upon such representations many surrendered money, watches, rings, etc., 
that up to this time they had successfully concealed. In no single case, so far as 
I was ever able to learn, did these thieves return a dollar or an article secured in 
this way. Similar methods were pursued by this chivalrous officer when coffee 
and meat were sent by our Sanitary Commission under the sacredness and implied 
integrity of a flag of truce, for the relief of the starving prisoners on Belle Isle in 
the winter of 1863-64. It is to the everlasting disgrace of the Confederate authori- 
ties at Richmond, and of Major Turner in particular, that this agreement for the 
application of their supplies was violated by their confiscation in part, at least to 
the use of the Southern army. 

After a brief stay at Libby, we were transferred to Belle Isle and our real 
imprisonment began. So much has been said and written descriptive of this by 
other prisoners of war, that little need be said here. Belle Isle is, as its name 
implies, abeautiful island. It is situated in the James River opposite the northern 
side of the city of Richmond. The central and upper portion is a beautifully 
wooded hill while the lower end spreads out into a smooth, grassy, and in places 
sandy plain studded at its edge by handsome trees. 

The prison camp was on this flat portion and at the extreme southern ptjint. 
It consisted of about three acres — possibly a little more — enclosed by an earth 
embankment, and covered with tents. After the battle of Chickamauga, ar.cl un- 
til March, 1864, over ten thousand men were confined within the embankment, 
and when they laid down for the night, the ground in the tents and between them 
was entirely covered. For a time prisoners were allowed during the day access 
to the river to bathe and obtain water for drinking and cooking purposes. When, 
however, the number was increased by the arrival of the Chickamauga prisoners, 



378 HISTORY OF THE 

this privilege was taken away, and water could only be obtained from barrels 
sunk into the sand to the level of the river inside the embankment. That the 
sanitary condition of the camp was wretched, and the mortality among the pris- 
oners was frightful, need not be told. Insufficient food and of bad quality soon 
induced the diseases that carried hundreds to the "Yankee graveyard," on the 
north side of the camp, and bestowed upon many of the survivors the heritage of 
a " broken " constitution. Thisler's cheerfulness and fertility of resource stood 
him in good place here. He was a natural " rustler " and strictly first-class for- 
ager. Here his talents sought a new field, and he became a noted " trader on Main 
street," that is, he bought articles of food of the guards in the night at an enor- 
mously high price, and sold them next day at a profit, for notwithstanding the 
lying and searching on the part of Turner and his subordinates, a good deal of 
money found its way onto the island. 

The currency was both greenback and Confederate scrip, and the standard 
rate of exchange during that winter, even with our guards, was ten of the latter 
for one of the former. 

As this clandestine commerce with the guards could only be carried on in the 
night, the industry of counterfeiting greenbacks was for a time quite a flourishing 
one, and many a confiding " Johnny " parted with his dozen alleged apple pies 
for a worthless piece of paper representing a five dollar greenback. Thisler was 
a "trader" from away back, and by this means did he preserve the rotundity of 
his person, which was and still is, so prominent a feature of his make-up. Welsh, 
naturally slim, soon became more and more so, and the necessity for an extra 
hitch in his waistband became a frequent one. But thanks to Thisler's thrift and 
the fact that "Andy" was something of a rustler himself. He got through 
fairly well, though not without some permanent injury to his health. 

Some time early in the winter an arrangement was made between the Com- 
missioners for the exchange of prisoners, by which a quantity of clothing was 
sent by Uncle Sam to his destitute boys on Belle Isle, and a committee of our 
officers, who were prisoners in Libby, was appointed to its distribution and to 
make the proper records. This duty was very elaborately and thoroughly done, 
and the writer was so far fortunate as to be selected as one of the secretaries for 
the committee, which consisted of General Neal Dow, Colonels Von Schroeder, 
Boyd and White. 

The work was done outside the camp, the members of the committee coming 
over every morning and going back at night. 

The change from constant confinement in Libby was such an agreeable one 
to them that they were not in haste to finish the work, and it was late in the 
winter when it was finally completed. The secretaries were allowed to remain 
outside the embankment all this time in a tent provided for them, and so escaped 
many of the hardships of life inside. 

About the middle of February, 1864, a removal of the prisoners from Belle 
Isle to Andersonville was begun, and a William Welsh, of Company A, of our regi- 
ment, who was a fellow-prisoner with us, was taken, I do not remember when nor 
where, went out in the first five hundred lot, supposing they were to be paroled. 
In vain I urged him not to go, assuring him that, from information I was able to 
obtain, they were to be sent south. He was determined, however, saying that 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 379 

his condition could not be worse. He went and has never, to my knowledge, 
been heard from since. Doubtless his bones lie at Andersonville with those of 
thousands of other patriots, while some of the responsible instruments of their 
death are making laws for the Government of this country. 

On March 7, 1864, a lot of five hundred were paroled, Thisler, Welsh and 
myself being of the number. We went by flag of truce boat to City Point, and 
were there transferred to the steamer City of New York, over which floated the 
flag now more dear to us than ever before, and taken to Annapolis, Md. , thence 
to Parole Camp at St. Louis, where we were exchanged May 7th, and immediately 
rejoined the regiment at Memphis in time to participate in the campaigns and 
fighting of that summer, under General A. J. Smith. 

RECOLLECTIONS OF ANDERSONVILLE AND OTHER PRISONS. 
[By William Rinker, Corporal of Company G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry.] 

In a skirmish at the burning of a bridge on Wolf River I was ruptured and 
otherwise injured by my horse falling on me while crossing a culvert, and being 
unable to ride, I was left at La Fayette, Tenn., on the Memphis & Charleston 
Railroad. 

On the 4th of December, 1863, a detachment of the rebel General Forrest's 
cavalry captured this place, and I was among the prisoners. I was the only one 
of my company captured. Four of Company H, and John Diets, Sergeant of 
Company A, were captured at the same time; only one other of Company G was 
in any of the prisons where I was confined, and that was James Perry, of Wheeler, 
Ind. We were taken first to Holly Springs, Miss., thence to Oxford. I was un- 
able to walk and was allowed a horse the first afternoon. There were about fifty 
prisoners in all. We were put aboard the cars at Oxford, and taken to Brandon, 
where we were kept two days. Here the rebels marched us around the town and 
showed us the damage done by our cavalry a while before. Some of the prisoners 
would curse the guards, and quarrel with them, and were punished; those who 
kept still were not molested at this place. 

Dan O'Mara, an Irishman of Company E, had been paroled a short time 
before, and when recaptured wore a pair of very nice boots. These the rebs took 
from him, and gave him an old pair of shoes. Dan threw the shoes as far as he 
could and went bare footed, and so remained until he died in Andersonville. I 
traded my boots to one of the guards for a pair of old shoes and five dollars in 
Confederate money. This money I used in Cahaba to buy peanuts with . 

We were kept two days, and then taken to Cahaba and quartered in an old 
tobacco warehouse. During the three months we were here we had enough of 
corn meal, but very little meat. The rebs slaughtered about five thousand hogs, 
and gave us the upper parts of the heads and other offal . The prisoners were 
required to go out and work on fortifications, and were given extra rations for so 
doing. This I refused to do when called on, and I never was compelled to do 
any such work while in prison, nor was I ever punished. 

I escaped from Cahaba three times, but was recaptured each time in from 
one to six days. Once when we went out through the tunnel four of us secured 
horses of negroes and rode all night. At daylight we came to a sign board at cross 
road, and found that we were back within four miles of the prison; we turned 



380 HISTORY OF THE 

our horses loose, and went into the swamp and hid in a hay stack, but we were found 
by the hounds in the evening. Only one man of our regiment died at Cahaba 
while I was there. His name I do not now remember, but he belonged to Com- 
pany E. 

About the last of March we were taken from Cahaba to Andersonville; there 
were about four hundred in all. We were taken part way in a steamboat, I think 
as far as Montgomery, thence by railroad. The officers and guards told us we 
were to be exchanged; this was done to prevent our trying to escape on the way. 
My partner while in prison was Ferdinand Miller, of Paducah, Ky. He be- 
longed to the First Illinois Cavalry, and was one of Sherman's body guards, and 
had been captured at Collierville, Tenn. "While at Cahaba each man was given 
a blanket; these were taken away when we left. My partner and I managed to 
keep ours by taking off our clothing and wrapping the blankets around us under 
our shirts. 

After reaching Andersonville, we sold our blankets for ten dollars in green- 
backs; with this Miller started a chuck luck bank. 

In Andersonville the prisoners were badly treated, in many cases the guards 
were brutal. A log was placed across the creek near where it enter* d the prison, 
this log along the stakes of the dead line. The prisoners would crawl out on this 
log, and reach out under the dead line in order to get water farther up the stream. 
For this the guards would shoot them, claiming that they had violated the rules 
by crossing the dead line. We were sometimes given nothing but corn meal. 
This some of the men would eat raw causing them to have fever. They would 
then go to the creek, and lie in the water during the heat of the day, at night they 
would crawl out on the bank and die. If a man gave up hope of getting out of 
prison he was sure to die. 

One boy of Company H grew despondent, and said it was no use trying to 
keep up any longer. He went to the creek, washed himself, came back to his 
quarters and laid down. I was digging out a pine stump near his quarters, and 
I talked to him trying to cheer him, but it was no use, in a few minutes lit was de^d. 

If the prisoners would get together in groups to talk or for any purpose, the 
guards would make this an excuse and would fire into the crowd, always wound- 
ing and sometimes killing some of the men. 

James Perry, of Company G, died here of scurvy some time in August, 
1864. 

About the 1st of September, 1864, they commenced moving the prisoners 
from Andersonville to Charleston, S. C. I went about the 10th of the month. 
My partner, Ferdinand Miller, was too sick to go. Poor fellow, he died about a 
week after I left him. 

At Charleston we were placed around the court house, the rebels thereby, 
hoping to prevent the Union forces from shelling the city; failing in this they 
moved us to the fair grounds. 

We were kept here about a month or six weeks, and then taken to Florence. 
This prison was like Andersonville, and the fare and treatment was worse than 
any I saw anywhere else. 

Thus far my health had been good, and I had stood the rough fare of the 
prisons without any signs of weakening, but while going from Andersonville to 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 381 

Charleston eighty of us were put in a tight box car, and the doors closed. We 
almost smothered, as the night was sultry. I was overcome with the heat, and 
did not feel well after this. When we reached Florence the weather was grow- 
ing cold, and the frosts were very heavy every morning. My shoes were gone, 
shirt gone, breeches were worn off to the knees. In this plight we were compelled 
to stand in the frost for half an hour every morning for roll call. The veins of 
my legs had turned black, and my teeth were loose from scurvy, and I was going 
down rapidly, when there was a special exchange made of the sick and wounded, 
and I was sent to Charleston; thence to Annapolis; about the middle of December, 
1864, was furlouged home for thirty days, then reported to Annapolis, and was 
sent to Chicago, and mustered out May 15, 1865. 

ANDERSONVILLE PRISON, GEORGIA. 
[Bi)D. L. Talcott, of Company 7.] 

Andersonville prison was established during the winter of 1863-64, and the 
first installment of prisoners arrived the latter part of February, 1864. It is 
some sixty miles south of Macon, Ga. It was formed by hewn pine logs, twenty- 
five feet long, five feet of which were planted in the ground, standing side by 
side, forming a wall twenty feet high and extending the entire circuit of the 
prison, sentry boxes were placed at intervals along the top. It proved an im- 
passable barrier between the prisoners and liberty. The space enclosed was 
about twenty-seven acres. The stockade was the longest from east to west and 
the ground sloped from each end toward the center which was a quagmire and 
over which flowed a small filthy stream of water, the said stream having first 
washed through the rebel camps, consequently it was unfit for bathing even, but 
it was the only water supplied for drinking and all other purposes until during 
a rain storm in August, 1864, when a spring o: clear, cold and sweetest of waters 
broke out on the north side between the quagmire and the summit of the bank 
and near the western line. The spring seemed a Providential dispensation and 
by many prisoners was ever after called Providential Spring. About a red from 
inside of the stockade was an established line three feet high, made of light strips 
of timber, called the dead-line, which to touch or pass was death at the hands of 
the sentinel above. No shelter was furnished and very few had even a blanket to 
protect them from the weather. Clothing was never issued and the scenes of 
men in rags and filth beggars description. The food was unfit for human beings. 
It consisted principally of coarse corn meal, ground, cob and all, with an occa- 
sional scrap of meat and sometimes a few buggy cow peas. These meager and 
poor rations were issued irregularly and in such small quantities that it is a won- 
der that a man survived thirty days of such dietary. A pack of bloodhounds 
was kept to track and pursue escaped prisoners and very few succeeded in escaping. 
Outside of the prison stockade was anotler small M< < 1- ; de called ifct liot-j ilnl, 
but little better for the sick than was the prison. Most of the inmates of this 
" hospital" lay upon the ground without even straw for a bed and often without 
a blanket. Old worn-out flys and tents were provided for shelter. They were a 
better protection from the rays of the sun than from rains and chilling blasts. 

The prevailing diseases were scurvy, diarrhoea and gangrene. The medi- 
cal treatment was comparatively worthless, and did probably as much harm as 



382 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

good. Each medical officer seemed trying or pretending to do work which 
would require at least from twenty to twenty-five to do. Filth and vermin 
reigned supreme, the ground in many places appearing to be alfve with maggots. 
The festive gray-back covered the earth and every thing above it. Flics 
swarmed over everything, depositing their eggs in the wounds of the living, and in 
the mouths of the dead. The death rate was terrible. Of forty-six thousand prison- 
ers who passed through the gates of Andersonville, during its existence of fourteen 
months, over thirteen thousand died, and are buried there. The average of deaths 
daily was thirty. This great mortality was not referable to climatic causes or to the 
nature of the soil and waters. It was a coldblooded premeditated plan to un- 
fit every Federal prisoner for bearing arms again. Every comrade should feel 
proud of the record of the Union prisoners. The Ninth furnished its share of 
the victims. We who went through the fiery furnace of Andersonville prison 
cannot command words to express the horrors, the torments, the sufferings which 
we endured. We were daily offered personal liberty, clothing and food, if we 
would only take the oath of allegience to their government, and enter its service 
either as soldiers or laborers. We scorned their offers, refused life itself, pre- 
ferring death to dishonor. Oh, it took grit to die by inches. It took nerve for 
one to suffer day after day with no star of hope to encourage. 

There is no question but that Federal prisoners, by resisting these offers, took 
greater chances of death than those of our soldiers in the army. Proud are we 
of the fact, that despite the inhuman treatment and the daily invitations given 
them, but few deserted the old flag or proved disloyal to their country. 

No tongue or pen can ever describe the awful sufferings inflicted upon the 
loyal and heroic men in those Southern hell-holes. 



CHAPTER XXYI. 

Sketches by Captain H. M. Buel, H. A. Hawkins, W. H. Hecker, Geo. 
W. Olmsted, T. M. Eaton, E. P. Ott, P. B. Bowser, S. D. Clel- 
axd, G. M. Kelley. 

THE following t are extracts from letters received from Captain 
II. M. Buel, Company (!, and will be read with interest by 
his old comrades. 

[J3.i/ daptain Buel.'] 

The reason we were in an Illinois regiment instead of an Indiana one was 
owing to the following facts : I went to La Porte, Ind., with the Fourth Indiana 
Battery, intending to enlist with them if I could not find any cavalry, but meeting 
Lientenant Huntington, was informed that Colonel Brackeit was raising a cavalry 
regiment by authority of the President to be called " First Western Cavalry," 
and wanted me to go back to Valparaiso and help him raise a company. 

Having had good success in recruiting I brought my men to Chicago; 
arriving there on the 14th of September, 1SG1 , spent the night at the Briggs 
House, and the next day marched to Camp Douglas, and was assigned to some 
barracks just evacuated by an Illinois regiment. 

We were the first company to arrive in Chicago, but Captain Burgh was 
first to go into camp with his company on the morning of the 15th, and his 
being the first company filled was given the letter A. Before the regiment 
was full enough to muster the President issued an older that all such troops 
should be mustered as State troops in the State where they rendezvoused, as 
complaint was made by the Governors of the several States that it was taking 
their men away, and the draft would come harder. You see the men who were 
home making money, and grumbling all the time about the war were afraid 
they would be drafted. 

We were credited to the State of Indiana, and some of the boys made a big 
fuss on account of being obliged to muster into an Illinois regiment. A camp of 
instruction was formed, and we did duty in beating up for volunteers. February 
17th we started for the front, arriving at St. Louis on the 19th; went into camp at 
Benton Barracks, and celebrated Washington's birthday by a street parade and 
listening to a speech of General Strong, a drizzling rain falling all day. 

March 1st, left Benton Barracks for Pilot Knob, Mo., arriving there on the 
2d, and on the 7th started for Greenville; camped the first night on Marble Creek. 
The 8th we reached Marshes' Mill and were soon on the road again, stopping at 
11 p. m. at Bailey's, and remained there until the 11th on account of rain and high 
water, then resumed our march and camped in a pleasant little valley, where we 
procured hay and corn from a "Secesh." March 13th we arrived at Reeve's 

383 



384 HISTORY OF THE 

Ferry, Black River, swam our horses across, and the wagons were ferried over. 
The regiment remained here until the 8th of April doing picket duty and forag- 
ing, A severe storm of wind and rain blew some trees down, killing one horse 
for Major Humphrey, and one from my own Company G. 

April 8th, camped at Vandever's (a Union man) farm, and on the 9th at Pow- 
er's Mill on the Little Black River, remaining here and scouting around until 
the 21st, when we marched to Martins on Logan creek. 

The next day arrived at Currant River, crossed this stream on the 24th, and 
on to Pocahontas on the 28th. May 1st, moved on to Davisonville on the Black 
River in Arkansas; May 2d, crossed the river, and camped at Clear Lake; the 
3rd at Lawrence, and the 4th we camped at Bird's Point. That night Captain 
Buel was ordered to take fifteen men and go back twelve miles to capture Cap- 
tain Childers and Dr. Worley, two noted rebels, but, however, we failed to find 
them. May 5th, the regiment marched to Jacksonport on the White River. 
May 7th, Companies G and M were sent back to Bird's Point under command of 
Lieutenant-Colonel Sickles to do guard dut^, where we remained till the 16th, 
when these two companies rejoined the regiment at Jacksonport. May 2Cd we 
crossed the river and established " Camp Tucker" on the 27th Colonel Sickles was 
ordered with a part of the regiment to Augusta, Company G was the last to cross 
the ferry, and by the time we were over the others were out of sight. The Colo- 
nel missed the road to Augusta and went to Cache Creek; Company G kept the right 
road and marched along that day. In the afternoon we met Lieutenant Shuttles- 
worth and his command drawn up in line across the road. We charged into the 
rebs and scattered them, and continued the chase four miles. That night we 
staid at Shuttlesworth's house, went on to Augusta and remained over night, re- 
turning the next day again staid over night at Lieutenant Shuttlesworth's house 
returned to Camp Tucker, May 30th, where we found the other part of the com- 
mand, they having had a severe fight at Cache River. June 2d we were obliged 
to leave Camp Tucker on account of the gunboat shelling us out, but the only 
damage they did was to scare one of our mule teams, which ran away, upset the 
wagon, and scattered things general!} 1 . 

The regiment moved back from the river a few miles to Gallaway's, where we 
remained a short time, and then returned to Camp Tucker. June 26th we left 
with General Curtis' army for Clarendon; on the 27th left Jacksonport, and 
camped at night at Village Creek; July 1st, marched as far as Dr. Pickett's, 
here some one burned the Gin House, and General S. Steele ordered Colonel 
Brackett with his regiment to watch and guard the ashes as a punishment. After 
about half an hour we were relieved and went back to camp. General Steele hav- 
ing by this time found out that it was not any of our men who fired the " Gin." 
It was here that General Curtis first gave free papers to the darkies. July 3d, 
we murched to Augusta and celebrated the 4th in the general way. On the 9th we 
arrived at Clarendon, where we had been told we should meet transports and gun- 
boats with a plenty to eat and drink that was good, but we were disappointed 
for there was nothing of the kind there. On the 11th we broke camp for Hel- 
ena, arriving there .July 14, 1862. 

About the 17th of September a part of the regiment went down the river as 
far as Laconia, crossed through the canebrake to White River and back to Hel- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 385 

ena, an eight day's trip. While going up the river Captain Buel's horse jumped 
overboard and swam up the left bank of the river, where the rebs were. We per- 
suaded the Captain of the boat to go over on that side. We put out a plank, and 
the horse seemed glad to be led aboard again: 

Captain Buel was in command of a part of the Ninth on the 8th of March, 
with Major Walker, Fifth Kansas Cavalry, passing through La Grange and Mari- 
ana, Ark., to Big Creek, where he burned two houses, and had to build a bridge 
in order to cross the stream, and while doing so, a Vidette was killed. April 
7th, left on transports for Memphis, Tenn. ; marched to Germantown on the 13th; 
while here we received our first rifles. May 21st, had a skirmish with the rebs 
at Byhalia, and on the 23d, another fight at Senatobia; drove the rebs to the 
Tallahatchie. 

June 7th the regiment marched to Potterville, and on the 8th to Byhalia and 
Mount Pleasant, and after an uneventful trip returned to Germantown on the 9th. 
On the 16th of June again moved out on a scout into Mississippi, skirmishing 
more or less, but nothing of special importance occurring, returned to camp 
June 23d. July 16th another scout, this time north across Wolf River, through 
Hickory Withe and across the Hatchie, returning by way of Fisherville, Simms 
and Collierville. August 13th the regiment moved out and reported to Colonel 
Wallace of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry at Collierville commanding the brigade. 
On the march to Grenada, built a bridge across a stream, passing through Coffee- 
ville and Water Valley on the 17th, arriving at Grenada a little before dark. 

The rebels had burned the bridge, and our regiment being in advance forded 
the river below the old bridge. Here we destroyed a large amount of corn and 
other property; back in camp the 22d. 

October 4th we had a skirmish with the enemy at Lockhart's Mill, and on the 
8th, at Salem, participated in the fight which lasted from 12 m. till dark. Company 
G with other companies of the Ninth were ordered to the front to support the bat- 
tery, and were under a heavy fire from the enemy's artillery and infantry. We 
were with Colonel Hatch in pursuit of the enemy under the rebel General Chalmers, 
and at Byhalia, Miss., and participated in the engagements for three successive 
days. At Wyatt we were the support of the Ninth Illinois Infantry. The 
engagement lasted until dark, when the regiment was ordered to advance and 
take possession of the houses in the town occupied by the enemy. We drove him 
across the river, they leaving all their dead on the field, and we also captured a 
number of prisoners, and also prevented them from destroying the pontoons; re- 
turned to camp October 16th, having marched over three hundred miles, and 
participated in five engagements. 

January 17, 1864, Company G, under command of Captain H. M. Buel made a 
charge on a large rebel force at the Coldwater, Tenn. The brigade at this time 
was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Wallace, of the Fourth Illinois 
Cavalry. We had one man wounded; Lieutenant S. O. Roberts lost his horse, 
shot while in pursuit of the enemy. 

February 11th the regiment under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Burgh 
left White's Station . Captain Buel in command of the First Battalion made a 
charge into Aberdeen, remaining there all night and nearly all the next day; cap- 
tured a number of prisoners, and among them some Confederate officers and a 



386 HISTORY OF THE 

good many stands of arms and horses and mules in large numbers, arriving at 
West Point on the 20th, fighting on the way; remained there all night but did 
not unsaddle. On the morning of the 21st the fight began, which lasted for four 
days, front and rear, and after a hard march we reached camp at Germantown, 
February 25th. 

[Contributed hy S. D. Cleland.] 
November 27, 1862, Major Burgh with one battalion of the Ninth marched 
with Generals "Washburn and Hoveyinto Missisippi on a scout, taking with them 
three days' cooked rations. The command embraced about fifteen hundred cav- 
alry and between three and four thousand infantry. General Washburn com- 
manded the cavalry, and General Hovey the infantry. The cavalry pushed on 
ahead, marching across the bottoms, reaching the mouth of the Coldwater on the 
evening of the 28th, having captured a number of prisoners during the march, 
he found a company of the enemy on the opposite shore, and guarding the ferry. 
They were all gathered around the camp fire, dancing and having a good time, 
when we sent a shell through their fire. They were completely surprised, and 
left on the run at once, leaving about thirty stands of small arms, which we cap- 
tured. The 29th was spent building a bridge, and the infantry having overtaken 
us, the prisoners, some fifteen or twenty, were turned over to them. The cavalry 
then started on a forced march for Grenada. Marching all night, passing 
through the little town of Charlestown, halting about twenty minutes to feed, 
then marched until noon of the 30th. then halted again, then forward reaching 
Hardy Station on the Memphis & Grenada Railroad, stopping long enough to 
burn the railroad bridge and a train of cars; forward again to within one and a 
half miles of Grenada, where we burned out two culverts, and tore up the track 
of another road. While we were at work two trains of cars loaded with rebel 
troops came into Grenada, but we finished our work right under their noses, and 
then, as there was getting to be too many enemies, at 5 p. m. we countermarched 
on our track. About 8 p. m. it commenced raining, and kept it up till next day; 
again feeding our horses near Charlestown, where we halted some time for a 
rest, and all slept well right through the rain pouring down upon them, with no 
protection but a rubber blanket. We had marched eighty-five miles without 
stopping, and had been hard at work destroying railroads, and had been forty- 
eight hours without sleep, thirty-six of which were in the saddle. 

At 7 a. m., December 1st, we started and marched through Charlestown to a 
little stream called the Yacona, where we found three regiments of infantry en- 
camped, the rest having been left to guard the bridge over the Tallahatchie. 
When we arrived about sundown, jumped off our horses, made a little coffee, 
and had just dipped out a cupful, when word came that the pickets were sur- 
rounded. The coffee had to be left. We charged down the hill to the river, but 
the enemy were on the other side. A few shells drove them off and they trou- 
bled us no more that night. We then made a twelve-mile dash to Panola, where 
a force of fifteen hundred Confederate troops had camped just before our arriv- 
al, but on account of the cannonading at the river the night before, they had 
left, 

December 3d found us in the saddle in the road to Oakland, distant fifteen 
miles. No incident or opposition until within one mile of town, when we heard 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 387 

a single shot in front, and on a hill a little to our left. The first Indiana cavalry 
with their battery of four steel guns was in the advance, with the Ninth with 
their two howitzer's next. No attention seemed to be paid to the shot (evidently 
a signal) but the command moved on until near the edge of town. The enemy 
was secreted in a dense grove of young oaks that still held their leaves. There 
we were met by a shower of balls which rather demoralized the First Indiana, and 
being followed by a charge by the rebels that they were driven back before they 
had a chance to form, leaving two of their guns in the hands of the enemy. 

The Ninth was ordered into line on the left of the road, and came into posi- 
tion in good style under Major Burgh, and opened on the enemy with their guns. 
The first fire brought down some of the horses on one of the captured guns, thus 
preventing its being carried off. We then gave them such a hot fire that they left 
the field. The rebels gave us one shot from the gun they had captured that struck 
the tree under which I was standing about ten feet above my head. Officers and 
men begged the privilege of charging the enemy to retake the other gun, but Gen- 
eral Washburn would not give the order, so they got off with it much to our dis- 
gust, The Indiana boys had previous to this always called the Ninth, "Gunboat," 
in memory of our retreat at Jacksonport from the rebel gunboat, but this put an 
effectual stop to that, for when that name was raised we always asked them, "if 
they did not want us to go to Oakland and get that other gun," and it always acted 
as a stopper. The boys in charge of our guns deserve special mention as being 
very efficient, as cool and, collected as if on drill. A number of the Indiana boys 
were wounded, but we came off free. We took as prisoners, one Colonel, one Chap- 
lain, one Major, two Lieutenants and a number of privates, two of the latter 
being mortally wounded. 

We felt our way slowly into town, which was made with considerable cir- 
cumspection on account of a masked battery of dummy guns, which we felt com- 
pelled to flank. Here we lay in line of battle all night, then marched back to the 
Mississippi River, December 6th, at night, and was obliged to camp in the mud, 
which was frozen hard ere morning, and the command suffered intensely from the 
cold, and Sunday morning, December 7th, we were carried over the river to camp 
at Helena, and thus ended one of the hardest trips I was ever on with the regi- 
ment. The weather was very wet and miserable most of the time, the roads bad, 
and our work almost constant day and night from start to finish. 

December 11th Lieutenant Bailey, of Company L, was taken prisoner while 
visiting some ladies outside of the lines. December 24th, ordered over the river 
again, marched through rain and mud to Moon Lake and on to the Coldwater, 
and then hurried back to Helena, reaching camp the evening of Christmas day, 
not a jolly Christmas by any means. 

January 10, 1863, the regiment moved with a large command mostly on trans- 
ports down the Mississippi to the mouth of White River and up that stream as far 
as St. Charles, Du Vall's Bluff, and one gunboat going up as far as Des Arc, arriv- 
ing back at Helena January 21st, where we found our old camp occupied by 
negroes with the small pox, so we had to seek new quarters and built again, some 
of the boys digging into the side hill making a regular dug-out habitation. 

On the 7th of April the regiment moved up to Memphis, Tenn., on the steamer 
Illinois, and soon after went into camp about two miles from the landing. April 



388 HISTORY OF THE 

10th Major Burgh returned to the regiment, and as a part of the result of his trip 
we soon after received new tents, horses and carbines. April 13th, went to Ger- 
mantown, Tenn., and there camped with two tents to each company, and raining 
like fun . 

At the fight at Wyatt on the Tallahatchie, October 13th, the Sixth Illinois 
Cavalry opened the ball and was followed by the Ninth Illinois Infantry, then 
the Ninth Illinois Cavalry was brought into action. We were within two hun- 
dred and fifty yards of the enemy's line, and the fighting was very severe until 
about 7 p. M. , when they fell back over the river, trying to destroy tbe bridge, 
but we drove them from it and held the river. 

It rained very hard all the time of the fight, but the men paid no attentiou to 
it, but kept up the fight in good shape. The enemy left fifteen dead upon the 
field besides those they carried off. The next morning a force was sent over the 
river a mile or two, but finding no enemy returned, and we started back joining 
General Sweeney and the infantry, and camped for the night. Tbe boys were 
shooting hogs for supper, and some rebels in the neighborhood took it for a 
fight, and about thirty of them came dashing up the road to help them. Before 
they were aware of where they were the pickets gave them a volley, which 
brought down some of the foremost men, and then charging them took about 
fifteen of the rest prisoners with their horses and arms. 

October 15th the command split up and went through the country burning all 
the forage to be found; camped that night av Quinn's Mill, and returned to camp 
the 16th . 

December 4th, a severe fight at Moscow, Tenn., in which our Sergeant Major 
Fitzpatrick and General Hatch were wounded; December 8th, re-enlisting for the 
veteran organization. 

December 22d the regiment started for a scout, Colonel Burgh in command, 
after Forrest, who was north of the Memphis & Charleston Railroad. Companies 
A and G were at La Fayette. December 27th Forrest struck the railroad at that 
point, and attempted to cross Wolf River. The two companies held him for about 
two hours, when they were forced to fall back. It was here that Joe Kell, one of 
our best boys, received a ball through the right shoulder that crippled him for 
life. Reinforcements were asked for from Collierville, and about sixty of us 
were gotten together and made the trip of eight miles in short order, meeting the 
boys about a mile out of La Fayette on a run, and the rebels after them, raising a 
yell, our party dismounted and deploying into the woods, and the other boys ral. 
lying, we drove the enemy back into the town, but as Forrest was said to have 
fifteen hundred men, and we only about one hundred and fifty, they soon had 
help enough to send us back on the road to Collierville. 

All that afternoon we fought Forrest, while we fell back gradually, and at 
Collierville we laid under arms all night with the enemy close by also under arms. 
In the night the regiment came in, and Forrest left with his train and conscripts. 
We were held thus till evening before we were started in his pursuit following 
him, passing through Hudsonville, and drove his pickets into Holly Springs. On 
the morning of December 30th, we marcbed westward as far as Dick Taylor's 
plantation, w T here reports were brougbt in of Collierville being threatened 
by the enemy. Company A was sent w T ith dispatches (by way of Holly Springs) 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 389 

for the Seventh Illinois Cavalr3 r , and came near having a tight with some of our 
own men hy mistake in the dark . 

One funny occurrence took place here. When the advance guard came out 
near Holly Springs, they discovered a party of eight rebels, and charged them at 
once capturing two. One proved to be a Confederate soldier home on furlough, 
who was to have been married that, night, and oh! how he did beg. " He must 
go back," and offered all kinds of inducements to let him go. Some of the boys 
offered to take Ms place, but that did not seem to satisfy him, so we took him 
along, and his bride-elect had to wait. We returned to camp at Collierville, De- 
cember 31st, Forrest having made good his escape across the Tallahatchie River. 

A good deal of blame was attached to General Tuttle for Forrest's escape by 
the men, but they may not have known all about the circumstances in the case, 
during the fight with Forrest at La Fayette. 

At Collierville we made several stands against him until we were flanked, 
when we would fall back and form a new line. One of those lines was formed 
in a little bottom with a high railroad embankment upon our left. The most 
of the boys were behind a rail fence on the right of the road, while a few of us 
were behind stumps, trees, etc., on the left of the road, till we reached the em- 
bankment, those of us on the extreme left behind a clump of bushes watching 
the enemy, as their line came out on the top of the hill. When we opened on 
them there was an officer on a gray horse riding down their line, and J. Eber- 
hart, F. Mills, and myself were trying to down him, but as it was long range, 
we failed. The enemy flanked us on the right, and the command was given to 
"fallback," but we were so interested in our game that we did not hear the order, 
and the first thing we knew the firing ceased altogether, and on looking around 
to see what the matter was, we found that we were alone, and a long line of 
the enemy charging up behind us. 

Our file holder was coming toward us yelling and also swearing at us a little, 
for a set of fools, "come out of that." His name was Fin Broderick, and it was 
lucky for us he was a brave fellow or we would have been left with the enemy. 
As it was we made a rash for our horses, mounted them quickly and started. We 
could not scale the embankment; there was only one way open — right down the 
road parallel with the enemy's line. Eberhart slapped his old mare with his hat 
saying, " Come old Sally, if you ever did any running in your life, now is your 
time." Away we went, the rebels closing nearer and nearer, and we hugging 
our horses' necks, closer and closer. All along that line every fellow taking a pop at 
us until we passed the end of it, and struck the crossing and went flying across the 
railroad bank beating the enemy by about forty or fifty yards. Dashing up an 
open side hill we got nearly out of their reach, and slackened our pace. I rode 
in between Lieutenant Roberts (I believe) and another soldier, and we dropped 
into a walk. Just then, spat came a bullet striking the Lieutenant's horse in the 
hips, rendering him lame, almost at the same instant as we turned our heads to 
see where the horse was struck, a bullet coming with a dull thud struck the man 
on my left right between the shoulders. He turned white almost instantly, and 
straightening up in his saddle, and turning his head from side to side over his 
shoulder, and catching his breath in grasps, " I-I-I-g-g g-g-guessit did not go in," 
and we just had to laugh, we could not help it, and after finding out to a certainty 



390 HISTORY OF THE 

that it was a spent ball that had struck hirn (and it hurt too) the man also 
laughed. 

February 11 the Ninth moved with the cavalry command of General Smith 
and Grierson toward West Point, Miss., and at Pontotoc, our regiment took 
the advance and moved swiftly southeast through Okolona, and on to Aberdeen; 
struck the pickets north of town, and charged them at once, taking a number of 
prisoners, following the rest on a run charged over a covered bridge across the 
creek into town. Quite a number of troops were drilling on the bottoms and 
commons, and our attack was so sudden and unexpected that they scattered and 
broke in different paths and stampeded at once.* Lieutenant Hillier with ten men 
pursued a party of twenty-five down the Tombigbee River bottom road. The 
Lieutenant and myself, outgoing the rest of our party, captured three prisoners. 
On our way back with the three men, we came to an opening in the woods at the 
corner of a plowed field on our left, where we saw two rebels walking their 
horses through the plowed fields, trying to make the woods close by in their 
front. Two of our boys were after them, but the chances in favor of the rebels 
gaining the wood and getting away. I told the Lieutenant I was going to try a 
shot, but he thought it was no use as it was getting dark, and it was seven hun- 
dred or one thousand yards away. I said it would not cost much any way, and 
turning my horse sideways I fired with a Sharp's carbine at the leading man, 
striking him in the side and rolling him from his horse. The other man imme- 
diately reined in his horse and our boys captured them both. The man was not 
dangerously wounded. That I believe was the only time that I was positive of 
doing any execution, but as there was only one shot and that mine, I felt justi- 
fied in claiming him for my man. I am glad to say that he was not killed. 

The cavalry command continued "the march to West Point, and then had 
quite a severe engagement, and were obliged to turn and begin our retreat north- 
ward, the Confederates following us, and we continually fighting for three or 
four days until we reached the Tallahatchie River and reached our camp at Ger- 
mantown, Tenn., February 26th. 

EXTRACTS. 
[Contributed by H. A. Hawkins, Sergeant Company D., Ninth Illinois Cavalry.'] 

Left Camp Douglas, Chicago, February 17, 1862, at 12 o'clock, M. ; arrived 
at Benton Barracks, Mo., the next day. A large and very fine parade of the 
militiary at St. Louis on the 22d; March 1st the last battalion left for Pilot Knob, 
Mo., arriving there Sunday, the 2d, and staked tents in the mud Monday, 
the 3d, frozen hard. Tuesday, March 4th, there being a vacancy in Company D, 
the members petitioned Colonel Brackett to allow them to hold an election that 
he would recognize, but it was too late, thereupon the Colonel issued an order 
" that all promotions must be in their regular order." 

On the 6th and 7th the regiment moved out on the march for Black River; 
four inches of water in the tents; occupied a large barn for the night; much rain; 
waited here two days for the water to subside, then moved on to Patterson. 

March 13th crossed Black River into Hardee's old camp, and were welcomed 
by the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry; weather much warmer; flannels a burden. 
March 16th marched to the Little Black River Mills, twenty miles, to grind corn 
for rations. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 391 

March 24th Major Wallis sent in command of a forage party, returned with 
some prisoners, horses, mules and grain. April 2d, heavy rain storm with high 
wind; blew down some tall trees and killed two horses. On the 8th, left camp for 
the Little Black, and then moved to Currant River, where, by order, Hardee's 
old hospital was burned. This was the first order to burn anything ever received 
by the Ninth. Then march on to Pocahontas and Bird's Point, and reached 
Jacksonport May 5th. At Bird's Point some of the boys found some meat and 
sugar hidden, and the Quartermaster paid forit. May 16th General Steele moved 
from this place, leaving Colonel Brackett in command of the post. 

May 18, George F. Walker wounded while coming out of Augusta with dis- 
patches. Joseph Hickson and James Conner also attacked while bearing dis- 
patches; two horses killed. The men came in while Company D was making 
for the river. Before the arrival of the gunboats a female of the snuff -dipping- 
persuasion put her head out of a window and called to a chap named Andrews, 
"Is that what you call skedaddling? " Andrews pulled his revolver and said, " I 
will make you skedaddle." She did not want to exchange any further compli- 
ments. 

June 8th, Paymaster here to-day; June 16th, Lieutenant Benton, of Company 
A, started for St. Louis with dispatches; June 22d to 24th, the following troops ar- 
rived: First Indiana Battery, Third Iowa, Eighth Indiana, the Thirty-third Illinois, 
and the Eleventh Wisconsin; General Steele also arrived; ponton bridge laid and 
troops crossed. 

The Ninth Illinois Cavalry occupied this point continually, from the fifth day 
of May until the present date, June 26th, when the camp was moved back from the 
town. The regiment kept pickets around this pfrice for a week at a time. Horses 
were kept saddled ready to move. When a company came in from picket in the 
forenoon, they were allowed to unsaddle until near sundown, then all had to 
saddle up. Our rations consisted much of the time of corn meal, coarse ground, 
and fresh pork, some of the time without salt. 

June 27th, stopped at Stewart's plantation, and found plenty of corn on the 
Robinson plantation, some three years old, also three barrels of molasses and 
sugar and a barrel of whisky. 

Monday, June 7th, cutting through the "blockade" where trees had been 
felled across the corduroy road. Here occurred one of the sharpest- fought battles of 
the war. Only five hundred of the Thirty-third Illinois, and four small steel rifle 
cannons belonging to the First Indiana Cavalry against a large Confederate force; 
five of our men killed and thirty-five wounded; the enemy's loss one hundred 
and ten killed, and many wounded. The action lasted thirty minutes; no more 
fighting after this place was passed. 

The regiment reached Helena July 14th. To give the reader some concep- 
tions of the hardships endured in the way of diet, imagine going to a slough or 
swamp for water to drink, and find jouv path beset with the water moccasin from 
three to five feet long, and not procured very easy then from among the big cypress. 
Dip your " Blickey," made from an old oyster can, and raise it to your lips, and 
take one swallow. It now seems but a dream, nevertheless true, as many of the 
Ninth Illinois found, could we even gather a part of the record of those buried 
at Helena. A few days after the regiment had camped on the point above Helena 



392 HISTORY OF THE 

there was a detail for the regiment to report with teams for forage to the Third 
or Fourth Iowa. When the command had assembled we counted seventy men, 
besides the wagoners, and the only officer a duty sergeant. The officer in com- 
mand of the expedition came up to me and asked for the officer in command, and 
I told him " We had none." He replied "Very well, fall in." Now a regiment 
going into the fieldFebruary 16, 1862, with one thousand sixty-five men, and before 
the 10th day of August, only seventy men that could go on a scout, will give some 
idea of the effects of Arkansas swamp's water. 

Looking back to-day and knowing the effects of drinking such poison, it 
seems a wonder that any are left to tell of the terrible scourge of fever the men 
went through. These times were something besides " playing soldier." A cam- 
paign has some life in it, but when men have to stand idly by and see such suffer- 
ing, and not be able to alleviate or avoid it, is a feeling one does not care to have 
repeated. 

August 30th, nearly half of the company have gone on the hospital beat to St. 
Louis; October 9th the regiment moved below Helena on the sands. 

James McBride, Regimental Saddler, died October 13th. October 14th the well 
men ordered out on the Clarendon road to the Beech woods, three miles from 
town. Here was the best water we ever got in Arkansas. A well had been sunk 
in the Chalk hill until a living steam of water was obtained, all of the men at this 
place were hearty. October 18th, promoted to-day to Orderly Sergeant. 

November 6th, started on a scout; camped twelve miles from Clarendon. The 
command divided here, returning on different roads marching towards Marianna. 
Ran into a yellow jackets' nest, which made things pretty lively, while the fusil- 
ade of hornets kept their " business end " in operation. 

We moved early, and soon the advance sent a courier stating that the 
"Johnnies " were in line. Captain Perkins told him to return to his command 
and clear the road, which he did. In the meantime Captain Perkins gave the 
order to charge, and right well was the order obeyed, but as soon as the noise of 
the battery reached the ears of those in line, they charged to the rear. The next 
time they formed in line was at or near Marianna, but we could not get the battery 
any where near them. We moved on towards La Grange, Ark. About the middle 
of the afternoon they made another stand. I think it was a Fourth Iowa officer 
reported them in line to Captain Perkins, and said, "What shall I do, charge 
them Captain?'' Perkins replied "Charge them! Charge them! to hell, damn 
them." He turned his horse about, gave him the spur, and awaj' he went charg- 
ing them to the Arkansas Brush, which was no easy thing to do, as both their 
horses and men were trained to that kind of business. We then moved on to La 
Grange, and forming in line on the right of the battery, and down the hills and 
were preparing to feed, when they charged up the road almost to the mouth of 
the guns, and the new Sharp's rifles were more than they could stand. After re- 
ceiving their contents, they fell back as fast as they could. The results of the 
day were nine prisoners and ten killed and wounded. 

We marched this day forty miles, fell in line six times, and had three fights 
and there were six or eight of our command wounded. 

November 27th, started to Delta, crossed the Mississippi, and moved at five 
o'clock a. M, marched all day, arriving at the Coldwater and the Tallahatchie, 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 393 

taking all their pickets, and gaining possession of the ferry before they could cut 
the rope. 

Major Burgh was in command of the advance, and it must have been some- 
thing of a surprise to those rebel soldiers sitting quietly in camp to be greeted 
with shell and miuie-balls, while smoking their pipes. Our force was set to 
building a ponton bridge, and the next afternoon moved over the river, and 
started on a good round trot and some of the time on a charge. November 30th, 
burned two bridges, and tore up some of railroad track. December 1st, marched 
to within ten miles of Panola, having a skirmish while passing through Charles- 
ton. 

December 3d, moved to Oakland; near there, in the advance, General Wash- 
burn and the First Indiana Cavalry, with four steel rifle guns, were ambushed. 
The General's horse was killed and six of the First Indiana wounded, then our 
battery came up and gave such free discharges of cannister and shell, that the 
rebs only got away with one gun and killed fifteen horses. One of our guns was 
dismounted here and we moved it into town and camped in line of battle. 

December 4th, raining all day and returned to camp. The Fifth marched to 
the Tallahatchie crossing on the pontoon. General Washburn put his hand on 
every man of that command as he stood on the pontoon, placing his hand on the 
shoulder of each trooper to steady him, and not let one crowd another, until all 
were over, others of his staff were with him. As soon as we were all over, the 
bridge was destroyed, and we moved four miles to camp, this being the first 
night since the 28th of November that we could really sleep safe and not expect 
to be called during the night. Our sleeping on unginned cotton eighteen inches 
deep under a shed was a luxury . The pontoon we had was on the celebrated 
"Yazoo pass." General Washburn was very careful of his soldiers. When 
marching, he would not allow them to turn out for him if it could possibly be 
•avoided, himself and staff taking the side of the road so as not to make it harder 
for those on the march. At the end of this campaign in Mississippi, General 
Washburn personally highly complimented Major Burgh for his gallant conduct 
and the efficiency of his command. 

January 2, 1863, ordered on a two days' scout, marching twelve miles to get 
between the picket line and La Grange. It was raining all this time. Suddenly a 
vidette came in and reported the enemy in force. At 5 o'clock, moved north, 
and came to a house of feasting and dancing, and such a scattering for the rear 
of the plantation was seldom seen. Mr. McCullock, a connection of the Confed- 
erate General (now our scout) with another soldier, came suddenly into the camp 
of the noted guerrilla band, he seeing their predicament shouted: "For God's sake 
send up the battery." Of all the saddle slinging that then took place, that beat 
all. Having thus diverted their attention they rejoined the command. 

Our forces then moved forward as rapidly as possible with the howitzers, but 
the birds had flown. All the houses here but one was burned and a considerable 
amount of corn and provisions was destroyed. There were some amusing scenes 
that night as standing in line near an enemy, but so dark that no movement could 
be made, some going to sleep and falling against their companion, who would 
fall against his neighbor, then in the daytime riding over the corduroy road, the 
horses' feet going down in the slush and spilling his rider into the mud. But all 
got off without any serious disaster. 



394 HISTORY OF THE 

The reader of to-day may think this would be funny, but thirty-six to forty- 
eight hours of such amusement was what sent so many to early graves. 

We returned to Helena the next day bringing in ten prisoners 

January 11th a part of the command marched across the country to the White 
River, while a large fleet of gunboats and transports moved down the river and 
around; a very hard and disagreeable march; heard firing at Arkansas Post; 
moved byway of Clarendon, and are short of rations. 14th, raining in torrents, 
and no breakfast ; corn meal now a luxury. On the 15th reached the White 
River at Clarendon, and have rations; snow eighteen inches deep. January 20th, 
ordered to return; Company D, rear guard, was fired on at night, and could 
have no fires during the night. All had to keep moving, as it was so damp and 
cold. Captain Co wen reported for duty February 2d, having been on the sick list, 
with the exception of thirty days, since July last. April 6th, Adjutant- General 
Thomas at Helena, to authorize the raising of ten regiments of colored troops. 
April 7th, ordered to Memphis. I do not think there ever was an order given to 
a regiment that was more welcome. 

June 4th, received a furlough for thirty days, and take charge of the remains 
of Comrade John W. Wisner, who died to-day. July 7th, in St. Louis; the news 
of the fall of Vicksburg. In less than two hours it seems that the whole city is 
on the street. iJuly 10th, arrived in camp. July 18th, Lieutenant McMahon, 
with twenty men from B and H, sent out after some Confederate troops who had 
made an attack and captured some soldiers and seven railroad hands. The Lieu- 
tenant overtook the enemy, recaptured our boys, killed a lieutenant, wounded 
some and brought in four prisoners. This was the second officer we had killed, 
besides some soldiers, having captured also a number of prisoners from this rebel 
force . 

August 13th, 1863, moved to Collierville, on to Byhalia, thirty miles; plenty 
of peaches, apples, watermelons, etc.; then on over the Tallahatchie River; on 
the 15th to Oxford and Water Valley (rightly named); forward to Coffeeville, 
with some skirmishing. Arrived at Grenada on the 18th. At this place many 
acres of cars burned, and seventy locomotives disabled. One engine was fired up 
with as much steam as was thought proper and sent down the road. It met the 
troops coming from Vicksburg, and soon ran off the track. One of Company 
A's men had a hand-to-hand fight with a rebel, and brought his opponent in with 
horse, saddle and equipments. Company D moved over the river, and was on 
picket northwest of Grenada. 

August 20th, moved early towards Panola. This is the same territory we 
were in last December; crossed the Tallahatchie and camped. Here we cap- 
tured a prisoner; he was hid under his chimney; back to Germantown on the 
21st. August 24th, moved to La Grange, Tenn., to the old camp of the Second 
Iowa. September 13th, started on a scout; marched to Bolivar, crossed the 
Hatchie, on to Denmark station, Jackson and Montezuma, and the 16th to Poca- 
hontas. From the evening of the 13th to the evening of the 16th we had but one 
day's rations. September 18th, Company B detailed as couriers for General 
Sweeney. October 9th, Lieutenant McMahon, with eight men and myself, go to 
Colonel Rice's, as couriers to Davis' Mills. 

On the 11th the General crossed Wolf River eight miles forward; heard the 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 395 

attack on Collierville, General Sherman was there; moved back four miles; my- 
self and squad returned to La Grange with dispatches for General Blair. On the 
12th marched to Hudsonville, a veritable cross roads, it was here that a second 
Iowa soldier, in moving a pile of bricks to fix a place for his coffee-pot, unearthed 
seven hundred and twenty -five dollars in specie, mostly in gold. 

October 13th moved to Holly Springs. Our advance under Lieutenant Kelly 
saw a rebel vidette just giving his horse the spur for Holly Springs; the country 
being open the boys followed. There was one horse belonging to Louis Andrews 
that proved too fleet for Mr. Reb. After the first quarter he began to close upon the 
vidette. He fired one shot from his carbine, while running, then drew his revolver 
and sent two more shots, and the Johnny pulled in his horse. When the boys 
came up and asked him why he halted, he replied: " He had shot on both sides of 
my head, and close over it, and did not dare to risk another shot." We moved 
within four miles of Chulahoma, and met Hatch's command returning from his 
fight with Chalmers. 

During all the way from Collierville, myself and a squad of twenty men had 
been detailed to carry dispatches from General Sweeney to General Hatch, not a 
pleasant job for a dozen men to return where fifty had come in and some of whom 
had been captured. I shall not soon forget the starting out, and meeting unex- 
pectedly a body of men, also the conversation between Generals Sweeney and 
Hatch. After the first salutation General Sweeney said: " Why did you not re- 
port oftener?" Hatch replied: " I did not think that the emergency justified it 
aslhavelost some men already." Sweeney's reply was: " I have amind to place 
you under arrest." "Well, I suppose you can act your pleasure about it, but I 
was acting under orders especially from General Hurlbut." This reply cut the 
General awfully. The 15th to the 20th of October moved from Chulahoma to 
Quinn's Mill; crossed the Coldwater to Early's Grove, and back to camp, bringing 
in a large amount of cattle. The 29th General Sweeney and Colonel McCrellis 
had some talk over our company, the General wishing to take us with him, while 
Colonel McCrellis does not want the regiment separated. We were ordered to 
return to the regiment October 31st. November 3d marched to Moscow, and 
scouted till about the 7th, when the regiment was ordered to Corinth; scouted 
hereabouts for a couple of weeks, and back to Collierville the 22d. On the 25th 
again to Germantown to Hickory Withe and Quinn's Mill, which we burned, and 
went into camp sixteen miles from Fort Pillow; weather very warm, and while 
at Covington, the boys found five barrels of high wines and whisky, and some 
of the companies did not have enough sober men to take care of their horses for 
two days. We moved near Summerville and confiscated a lot of horses and 
mules and arrived back to La Grange, December 1st, where we corralled the 
stock. 

We then moved out to Saulsbury, and camped within six miles of Pocahontas; 
moved back at 1 o'clock and skirmished with the enemy before light, driving 
them until we came to Big Gulf beyond Saulsbury. Our howitzers not having 
range enough to reach them, Colonel Hatch began to move by the flank; the 
rebels moved off farther south; our loss none; we captured nine prisoners. 

December 4th, moved from La Grange to Moscow; here found the enemy in 
ambush. I was riding between the guns of our battery and had got part of the 



390 HISTORY OF THE 

way to the river and the bridge, and then saw that I could not get but one way 
and that was to jump off the bridge, which I did, and tied my horse, and went 
out near the river in the front line, and remained there until the firing ceased on 
that side of the bridge. Then I came back to where the small redoubt was and 
passed to the rear, and Colonel Hatch had just been wounded, and a colored 
soldier killed. I went with our line to the other side, and the bullets made the, 
water fly lively. After passing over the bridge I came upon one of the boys with 
his hand in the water searching for his gun. "Sergeant Murray what are you 
doing here?" "lam hunting my gun." At that moment he picked it out and 
said, "One of Company E's men and myself were captured, and the two men 
quarreled over his Colt's rifle, so he tried the experiment of falling down and 
dropping his gun in the water." Murray said that there were many men killed 
and wounded there. 

General Forrest, who had been raiding in West Tennessee, soon after was 
wanting to get back south, and to General Tuttle (the man who had just been 
running for Governor in Iowa on the copperhead ticket) was intrusted the duty of 
preventing his return. 

December 25th, the regiment being out, a squad was ordered to La Fayette and 
across Wolf River to Fisherville to see if Forrest's videttes were in the neighbor- 
hood. We left La Fayette at night and crossed over the bridge, there being a 
foot passage, we swam our horses, and went to Fisherville; then we moved down 
the river six or seven miles, then back to Wolf River bottoms, then again to the 
bridge. We afterwards learned that some of Forrest's command had been in 
Fisherville the same day, and were only a mile away, when we were in town, 
and back to Collierville. Near noon we were ordered to reinforce Company A 
at La Fayette. On arriving at the crossing we found Company A, Lieuteuant D. 
Hillier in command, being steadily pushed back. We then took the offensive 
and crowded their advance back, until they were reinforced, when we commenced 
falling back from one advantage to another, waiting their advance until they 
were near enough to give them all we could before they could flank us, then 
mount our horses, and fall back to another shelter. Just before night they had 
succeeded in getting a line long enough to overlap our line on both sides of the 
road (our line was then in command of Captain Foster of the Second Iowa 
Cavalry). 

We were not ordered back until the rebs had passed our right with their left, 
and were charging on our line with their mounted troops, and we a half a mile 
from our horses, as they had been moved back out of range The only thing that 
saved our whole command from capture was a high rail fence. That kept their 
cavalry from overtaking us. I got behind another trooper, or I certainly would 
have been taken prisoner. Corporal W. W. Bower, Company D, was captured 
here and taken before General Forrest, and he said, " Well, Corporal, you have 
been a little unfortunate. How man}' men have I been fighting this afternoon? " 
He replied " About one hundred and fifty of the sick and cowards of the Second 
Brigade." " You do not need to tell anything but the truth." The Corporal re- 
plied, " You have had the brigade to attend toon the other side of Wolf River, as 
they have been gone for four days to La Grange." 

We were pushed back till the guns of the fort could reach them, and they 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 397 

did not care to take a night matinee. The next morning they had all moved 
toward Holly Springs. Our brigade now came in and we were all ordered on a 
five days' scout; moved near Mount Pleasant and camped. December 29th, moved 
to the head of the Coldwater, and on the 30th, west and north across the river 
and camped, returning to Collierville, December 31st. 

January 1, 1864. Tonight the coldest night since we left Chicago in 1861; 
12th, the rebels put a torpedo on the railroad track, and had afight. 24th, inspec- 
tion and review by Col. A. G. Brackett now commanding brigade. The Col- 
onel left us for St. Louis, February 8th. February 11th, broke camp and moved 
across the Coldwater to Byhalia, on to the Tallahatchie ; skirmished across the river; 
countermarched to Waterford the turning toward Rocky ford, and moved to New 
Albany; camped fifteen miles from there, until the 14th moving then toward 
Okolona. 

The 17th. The three brigades came together. 18th, moved at daylight, cap- 
tured two wagons, one Surgeon, two Majors, one Captain and Lieutenant, and 
some privates at Okolona; moved to Aberdeen by dark; marched thirty-five miles; 
moved early to Prairie Station and burned a large amount of corn and cotton; 
then south skirmishing all the afternoon; drove the Confederates and camped at 
West Point. 

February 21st. Ordered to fall back and moved early; our brigade in the ad- 
vance yesterday, in the rear to-day, marching over the same ground we fought 
over yesterday. The rebel advance was close on our rear, and heavy fighting 
until dark, when our regiment gave them such a warm reception they followed 
us no more that night. • 

The 22d. The two brigades of McCrellis and Warren, with First Illinois 
Light Artillery that was with the Sixth Illinois Cavalry, took the rear, and by 11 
o'clock the enemy had stampeded them, and captured all but one gun. The Sec- 
ond Brigade halted and formed a line and checked the advance of Forest's forces. 
We had a number in our brigade wounded, some killed and some lost as prisoners. 

To retard our progress we had twenty-five hundred mules (as fine as I ever 
saw), some horses and two thousand " smoked Yankee soldiers" without arms, 
camped near Pontotoc. The next morning, the 23d, started early, and com- 
menced fighting at once. The Second Brigade fought all day, or until noon. As 
we were then across the Tallahatchie, the rebels concluded it not safe to follow us 
any further. Here the brigades separated. 24th, moved toward Holly Springs. 
25th, to Hudsonville. Here Christain Jergens was killed by guerrillas, and a num- 
ber of our men captured near La Fayette; captured a guerrilla captain, and as be 
attempted to escape his guard from Company F killed him. March 10th, ordered 
to Fort Pickering; the veterans went up the river the 18th. 

March 27th, the non-veterans of the Sixth and Seventh Illinois Cavalry came 
in. Lieutenant-Colonel Hepburn ordered all non-veterans to a camp east of Fort 
Pickering, generally designated as the "Bob Tr.il Camp." The Colonel called 
them the "Provisional Regiment." His disciplining the regiment was, however, 
of short duration. As his night bugle sounded " taps," there was a stray bullet 
went through his tent that ended the taps, so those " Bob Tails," as they were 
called, did pretty much as they pleased. 

Friday, April 29th, Martin J. Smith was hung. He was a smuggler and spy, 



39S HISTORY OF THE 

and acknowledged the sentence to be just. The regiment back from furlough 
April 29th. 

Colonel Hepburn found it an uphill business to keep the gay and festive 
" Bob Tails" in subjection, and it was not long before his health failed, and he 
reported to the hospital in Memphis. After this the Provisionals had things 
pretty much their own way until the return of their regiments from the North; 
many a tilt was had with the Provost Guard. A little incident in point: A 
trooper coming one night from the town to the Provost Guard, the officer ordered 
the guard to arrest him, and he retorted with an order to go to h — 1, and then 
started for camp. Here occurred a race, as both were mounted. When they 
reached the provisional camps' line and were passing over one of those swell 
embankments, the trooper's horse fell, and then a shout went up. The camp turned 
out to see the fun. The Bob Tail left his horse, dropped his arms and ran for the 
first tent, crawled into that, and then into another, and was soon apparently fast 
asleep, and the officer was glad to get away from the crowd with a whole skin. 
During this time, the men had many of them obtained detective passes, and no 
doubt made some considerable money, as well as gathered some important informa- 
tion. The citizens coming in with cotton, taking the oath of allegiance, and get- 
ting and obtaining passes to go outside the lines again. These men were con- 
sidered fair prey for our men, and were compelled to divide after they got out the 
lines by those lying in wait for them . 

June 18th, I was detailed from the regiment to report to Captain Knight, at 
Fort Pickering, and on the 25th the postoffice of the fort was placed in my hands. 

September 18th, left Memphis for Springfield in company with the First Bat- 
talion, my term of service having expired, and mustered out September 22, 1864, 
thus ending my career in the volunteer service of the United States. 

And now with the above memorandum from my diary, which I trust may be 
of interest to some of my old comrades, I close. 

AN INCIDENT OF THE WAR. 

By William H. Hecker, late Sergeant Company G, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 
In the month of August, 1862, an expedition was organized on the line of the 
Memphis & Charleston Railroad in the southern part of Tennessee for the purpose 
of capturing the rolling stock that had been collected for some time at Grenada 
Miss. , on the Mississippi Central Railroad, by the Confederate government. The 
expedition was composed of about four thousand mounted infantry and cavalry. 
We moved along the line of the railroad, driving small squads of rebels before us, 
passing through Paoli, where we captured a rebel flag that floated from the top of 
the court house, and a badly scared Confederate Surgeon that was in charge of 
the hospital of the place; through the beautiful town of Oxford, Water Valley 
and Coffeeville, where we encountered quite a large force of Confederates, until 
about 2 o'clock one afternoon we heard the shrill whistle of a locomotive in our 
front, the train was headed off, and captured; the coaches set on fire and destroyed. 
We were now within a few miles of Grenada, and final arrangements were made 
to capture the town and stock. Grenada is situated on the south side of the Yella- 
busha River, which is about twenty rods wide, and during the summer season can 
be forded. Our regiment was ordered to ford the stream jibove the town; and 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 399 

charge upon it from the west. We started on a lively trot, which changed into a 
gallop, and just at dark we forded the river, and charged on the town, found that 
the rebels had taken a sudden desire to leave. We fastened our horses around 
the public square, and leaving a small guard to watch them, we started to find 
supper. The rebels had been anticipating us, and had destroyed the railroad 
bridge, so that it was impossible to move the captured stock north, and the only 
alternate left was to destroy it. The work of destruction commenced. Soon after 
dark the fierce flames from some eight hundred cars and coaches and about eighty 
locomotives, together with vast quantities of stores, lighted up the heavens for 
miles, and by its light we re-crossed the river and went into camp on the north side. 
Many of the Confederate soldiers and citizens left the town by the railroad, but 
their trains were captured by another expedition heading from the south. While 
we were taking in the town, a wounded Confederate soldier, P. H. Corgan, be- 
longing to a Mississippi regiment, untied a horse belonging to Company G and 
was leaving the town, when he was apprehended by one of the company, who 
recognized his horse and brought him back. This young man was formerly from 
Illinois and had been overseer on a large plantation before the war. On learning 
that his captors were from Illinois, he formed the conclusion of abandoning the 
Confederate cause and joining ours. We remained in camp the next day and 
night and during the meantime asked our prisoner a great many questions as to 
the number of soldiers that had been in and around Grenada, the names of the 
different officers, number of regiments, all of which served me a good purpose, 
as we shall see hereafter. 

The next morning we started on our return, and soon afterward an order 
came to our regiment for a detail of men to forage for horses and mules. I asked 
permission of the Captain to go with this detail, which consisted of eighteen men 
in charge of Lieutenant Shattuck. We left the main road, and proceeded to for- 
age for something to eat, after which the more serious business began, viz : 
capturing horses and mules. We met with good success until we found a fine 
young horse turned loose in a large meadow. We were very desirous of capturing 
him, and this consumed more time than we were aware of, and were unsuccessful 
at last. We were also taking along suspicious-looking citizens of whom we had 
at this time five or six, when we finally returned to the main road, and found on 
inquiring that we were about four hours behind our forces, and about three hun- 
dred rebels between us and the command. This information was given us by 
the citizens of a small town, Senatobia, through which we had to pass. We 
could see by the action of these citizens that they thought we were in a tight 
place, and in fact we began to think that way ourselves. We went about a mile 
beyond the town, when we met quite an intelligent colored man, who had been 
to the mill, and had passed through both forces, and was quite mad at the rebels 
for he said that the "Yanks "had not molested him, but the " Johnnies " had 
taken his grist from him." He stated that there were about two hundred rebels 
between us and the bridge (Jackson's cavalry). Crossing the Coldwater, after a 
short council, we concluded to transfer saddles, etc., to our best horses. Our col- 
ored friend and citizen prisoners taking an active part in the conversation, and 
really sympathized with us, and gave us good advice, which was to strike through 
the woods to our left; we could find another road that would lead to an old ford, 
which we could cross. 



400 HISTORY OF THE 

Looking back to the turn, we saw quite a number of horsemen collecting, so 
we quickly parted from our citizens and colored friend. We soon disappeared 
(like Robin Hood and his men) in the woods leading our captured stock. When 
we crossed the river we parted with our lead stock. As we came out to the other 
road, we saw several rebels to our left, but as we had to lake to the right, we 
paid but little attention to them. We pushed on as fast as possible, thoueh the 
most of us had by this time concluded that our game was about up. We soon 
reached the old ford, and found there some eight or ten wagons loaded with cot- 
ton on their way to Memphis. We found the river full of logs and driftwood. 
On the opposite side were several rebel soldiers, one of whom, a Captain, gave us 
directions how to cross, so as to avoid the logs under water. He claimed to be a 
paroled prisoner. I plunged into the river with my horses followed, by one of 
the boys, and we crossed safely. The others did not dare to venture. I struck 
up an acquaintance with the rebel Captain, and bantered him to trade revolvers, 
as he had a nice silver-mounted one, and mine was only a Colt's Navy revolver, 
but we could not trade. 

Lieutenant Shattuck requested my comrade ( Charley Keitch ) and myself 
to strip and swim the horses across, while he and the remainder would cross on 
the driftwood a little distance above. We had all the horses over but one. The 
boys were coming along the river bank, having safely crossed. I was bringing 
over the last horse. About half way across he turned about and swam back with 
me. The Lieutenant shouted for me to strip off the bridle, and had reached about 
the middle of the river, when I heard the rebel "yell" on the side I had just left. 
Jackson's cavalry had come, and dividing in two lines, one going up, the other 
down the river, firing and yelling like so many devils. The boys on the bank 
fell back and got behind trees and beyond range. Our horses being in plain sight, 
were nearly all killed by the first fire of the rebels. I swam for dear life and had 
nearly reached the shore before they seemed to observe me. I succeeded in reach- 
ing the shore, but in the excitement I had floated below the ford, and the bank 
was quite steep and slippery. I tried to ascend but kept falling back. My scram- 
bling seemed to draw their fire, and the bullets struck all about me. I was in 
hopes they would cease their firing, and order me to surrender, but no, their 
desire was to kill. But, luckily, I reached the top without a hit. I saw one of our 
rifles which one of the boys had laid down, and I found it was loaded with five 
rounds, being a Colt's revolving rifle. I jumped behind a tree and let the rebels 
have the contents. One other of Company G had taken refuge behind a tree about 
a rod from me, who by some means was hit, the bullet striking him in the shoul- 
der. He dropped and called me to come to him, but the bullets were a little too 
thick, so I dare not. He commenced to cry, being nothing but a boy, the youngest 
in our company. Two or three of the boys had gained their horses and got away. 
Five or six men fell back in one direction, while the Lieutenant and the remainder 
fell back another. The boys called to me to come, but I was very reluctant about 
it, as I wished to obtain my clothing, some two or three rods away. I told the 
Lieutenant that I would not go without my pants and shirts, he told me that it 
would be impossible to get them, they being in such an exposed place on the bank 
of the river, so I shouldered my rifle and struck for the canebrake entirely naked. 
I soon caught up with the boys, and we hid in the canes until night. The rebels 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 401 

crossed the river and searched for us, some of them coming so near that we could 
hear their conversation. We remained perfectly quiet, and luckily they did not 
find us. After the rebels got out of hearing, the boys began to make arrange- 
ments about my raiment. One donated a pair of drawers, another a blouse, while 
a third gave me a cotton handkerchief to tie around my head. My toilet com- 
pleted, I was ready to travel. We remained, however, until some time after 
dark, when by the light of the moon we shaped our course and started. 

We had traveled some time before we left the river bottom, when we came 
to an open field. We had reached about the middle of the field when, on ascend- 
ing a hill, we looked ahead and saw camp-fires in a strip of woods, but whether 
friend or enemy we knew not. We dropped flat on the ground so as not to be 
observed, and finally made out by the light of their fire that they were rebels. We 
then fell back in good order and reached the river bottom again, moved along the 
edge of the bottom some time, wading through slush and water knee deep, 
ascending and descending steep places, letting ourselves down by laying hold of 
the brush, until we finally came to the open country again and entered a lane full 
•of briars, but a narrow path in the middle. We followed this lane, knowing that 
it would lead us somewhere, and, finally, it brought us to a grove surrounding a 
nice residence. Keitch (who was dressed in about the same style as I) and myself 
went up to the house, and rapped and called for some time before we could make 
anyone hear. At last we heard a window open in the second story, and a gruff 
voice inquiring, "What was wanting?" We had our story made up, and told him 
that we were part of Jackson's cavalry, and our object was to slip up on the 
Yankee pickets, who we had understood were close by, and steal their horses. 
We thought in this way we could find out where our men were encamped, but 
the old secesh told us that there were no " Yanks " camped anywhere that he 
knew of. He had heard that some had passed that afternoon on a road five or six- 
miles off, and that we had better give up such a foolish job. Down went the 
window. We now took the road, and for fear of meeting some enemy we 
marched, with Keitch and myself as advance guard, each one with revolver in 
hand, belonging to the Lieutenant, and with orders to give a signal and jump the 
fence. We marched in this manner until we thought we must be somewhere near 
Hernando, at which place we concluded our men would go into camp. We 
called a halt, left the road turning into a thicket, where we lay down for a nap 
with one to stand guard in order to listen for our bugle, which we expected to 
hear at daylight. It was very dark, and, as we thought that it must be near day, 
the Lieutenant requested me to go with him to the road, for what purpose I have 
now forgotten. We went far enough to reach the road, but, seemingly, we had 
taken the wrong direction, and when we tried to go back to the boys we could 
not find them. We dared not call for fear of the rebels. We hunted and hunted, 
but could not find them, finally morning came, but no signs of our comrades. 
The sun, as it rose, was held by a dense fog so that we could not tell what course 
to take, and we sat down at the foot of a tree, two very sad, forlorn beings. 
About 10 o'clock the mist cleared away and we started, but were obliged to keep 
in the woods to avoid being seen. Sometimes we would come to an open field, 
and would have to circle around it, traveling several miles out of our way. Later, 
in an opening by the fence, we found some elder berries, and ate as we passed 
26 



402 HISTORY OF THE 

along, for by this time we were pretty hungry, not having had anything to eat 
since the morning before. 

About 2 o'clock in the afternoon we came to a beautiful spring in the woods 
and a well-beaten path leading somewhere. The Lieutenant requested me to fol- 
low this path and find something to eat, while he being in full uniform would 
hide in the brush close by. I followed the path and soon came to an old log- 
house. An old gentleman was taking a nap under a big oak in the yard, but the 
barking of two or three dogs awoke him. He eyed me with suspicion, not know- 
ing what to make of me in my strange garb. In conversation with bim, I soon 
learned that he was a bitter old butternut, and told him a very pitiful story about 
" my belonging to a certain Mississippi regiment, naming the Colonel, and the 
General in command, of the Confederate forces at Grenada, where I had been 
taken prisoner by the hated " Yanks" and as I had a nice suit of gray on, they 
had stripped me, and given me what I had on then, that I had escaped from them 
the night before, and was tired, hungry and discouraged." When he found that 
I was a hungry secesh, he told the girls of which there were three, to get me up a 
dinner, while his wife, a motherly old soul, went to work to mend a pair of the 
old gent's pants for me. He was a very portly man, while I was very slim, so it 
was not much of a fit, and not having any suspenders, one of the sons found a 
leather strap. Boots or shoes he had none to give; in place of my handkerchief 
tied around my head, his son also gave me an old straw hat. 

After a hearty dinner of corn bread, ham and coffee; the old lady thought- 
fully put up some corn bread and ham in a paper, and some coffee in a long neck 
bottle for my lunch on the way. All this consumed about two hours of pre- 
cious time, but I had another task to perform, which I was a little timid about. I 
was very anxious to find out what direction to take to reach our camp which 
was near Memphis. So I personated the prisoner our company had captured, 
told a very pitiful story, a brief history of my life, "how I had been born in 
Illinois, and had relations living there, good Old Democrats, and as I was about 
sick and discouraged, I thought if I could only reach there in order to recruit 
up, I could come back and do more for the glorious Condederacy and much 
more." I could lie, as the saying is, as fast as a race horse. The old gentle- 
man at first tried to dissuade me, but he finally thought it might be best, espe- 
cially after I told him that I thought I could bring a few recruits back with me. 

We got over the fence into the road. The man got down on his knees to mark 
out the road for me using a stick. I looked down the road, and there, not five 
rods away, stood the Lieutenant, who had become alaimed about my long ab- 
sence, but as luck would have it, the old man's back was turned toward him. I 
made a motion with my hand, and he dodged back into the brush. After learn- 
ing what direction to take, I bid the old rebel farewell, and soon joined the Lieu- 
tenant, who soon disposed of the lunch furnished for my journey so kindly by 
the old lady. 

At dusk we ventured to cross an open field, and before we knew it, we were 
upon a man and his little girl in a melon patch. He saw us at the same time. Here 
was a dilemma. Seeing no other way we went forward boldly and told him our 
situation. As good luck would have it he was a school master, a class with doc- 
tors exempt from the army in the South, and after some conversation with him, 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 403 

we found out that he was a Northerner, having come South a few years hef ore the 
war. He took us to his house, introduced us to his family, and they gave us 
something to eat, while he stood guard, as he was not willing to have us remain 
very long for fear of being found out. After supper, and receiving some kind 
wishes from the ladies, we bid our host good-bye in the road, and started. My 
feet were now in bad condition, for it will be remembered I was bare-footed all 
this time, as neither of my kind friends could provide me with boots or shoes. 

The country at that time was full of guerrillas, and both parties had cautioned 
us against them. However, we took the road, and whenever we heard any one 
approaching, either real or imaginary, we piled over the fence, and lay there until 
the way was clear again. 

Towards morning I began to give out. My feet became so sore that it was 
almost impossible to walk, so I told the Lieutenant "to go on and leave me and 
try to reach camp," but he would not leave me in such a bad plight, sometimes, 
however, getting ahead of me would wait until I came up. A little before day- 
ligbt we lay down before some logs. It was quite cool, but as w T e lay close 
together and being tired, we got a little sleep, but when we woke up my feet hurt 
me worse than ever. I hobbled along as best I could. About noon we came to a 
place that looked familiar, and knowing we were not more than eight or ten 
miles from camp, the lieutenant went ahead. Reaching camp, asquad of my com- 
pany, G, with an extra horse, was sent out for me. When we reached the picket, 
about half the regiment were there. 

I was a very sorry looking object. My feet had kept catching on my pants' 
legs, tripping me up so that I had to keep tearing off the bottom till they only 
reached to my knees, while bleeding feet and a little piece of a straw hat com- 
pleted the picture. 

Of the other squads I will not speak, leaving some of them, if living, to 
speak for themselves. 

A DRILL. 

The whole regiment was out on drill by the Colonel, and everything went off 
nicely. The Colonel put them through various evolutions of battalion and regi- 
mental drill: march in column by companies by fours, right and left wheels, etc., 
and the regiment felt quite elated, and were sure they were doing a good service 
and were a credit to the Colonel and themselves, when suddenly came the order, 
"Break from right to march to the left to the rear. " This was something new to 
officers and men. Some of the officers did not catch the order, some of them did 
not know what it meant, but all thought they must do sometlung. The regiment 
just at this time was a sight to see, so was Colonel Brackett. The order was given 
again and again, but the more the officers tried to execute the more muddled the 
regiment became. The Colonel fairly stormed, but it was no use, and finally 
came the order: " Officers, take your men back to their quarters, and drill there; 
parade is dismissed." 

THE STRIKE. 

One of the incidents of camp life may be stated as follows: 
One of the inducements held out to our boys to induce them to enlist was the 
promise of prompt and sure pay every two months. January, 1862, came, and 



404 HISTORY OF THE 

we had, as yet, seen no indications of the Paymaster, and many began to manifest 
symptoms of uneasiness, which finally culminated in a determination. The dis- 
contented had talked it up among themselves that they would not stand it any 
longer, and some were inclined to overt acts. Camp Douglas had a regular mili- 
tary guard, and the only lawful egress was by way of the gate on the east side of 
camp, and only then with a permit or pass signed by the Colonel or some one in 
command. 

One particular day the boys began to assemble in the north of camp, and by some 
bold spirits, the proposition was put forth that, " the Government had not fulfilled 
its part of the agreement by paying at the stipulated time, so that they were not 
bound to remain soldiers any longer," and moved that they all go out of camp in a 
body. No sooner said than done. The boys, their numbers now augumented by 
many drawn by curiosity to see so many gathered in one place, commenced to 
move toward the gate. Colonel Brackett was out of camp, and Major Sickles in 
command, and the crowd on their way passed near headquarters. Major Sickles 
rushed out, sword in hand, and demanded to know " what this meant." Some one, 
self-constituting himself spokesman, said " ihey were going home." The Major 
drew himself up, and with uplifted sword said in a very tragical manner, " who- 
ever passed out of that gate would have to pass over his dead body." The crowd 
was really more in fun than earnest, and as they were only playing bluff, were 
easily persuaded to return to their quarters. Whether this demonstration had 
any effect or not, it is quite certain that the Paymaster was on hand the following 
week, and we were made happy by the receipt of two months' pay. 

WAR REMINISCENCES. 
[By Sergeant George W. Olmsted, Company L.I 

In the latter part of June, 1862, the regiment had left Jacksonport, Ark., not 
stopping for dinner, but marching till late before going into camp. Our fires 
were built, and we were about to have our supper, when the bugle sounded "boots 
and saddles." Thirty-five of Company L responded and traveled lively for about 
eight miles. I forgot that I was hungry. 

Up to this time I had never heard a rebel gun or "yell." The Colonel acted 
anxious too. About sunset the fun began. I had charge of the second platoon, 
and when Company L was called for, I had a queer feeling up under my hat; 
but little time to think much about it, as at the very first volley that Company L 
received, my horse was shot in two places (the neck and leg), and Olmsted was a 
dismounted cavalryman. Soon the "retreat" was sounded, and that move- 
ment was executed so promptly that no one whom I asked had time to let me 
ride with him. Finding that I could not keep up, I made a flank movement and 
took to the canebrake. In crossing a bayou I fell off a log into the water. I was 
in no mood for a bath, especially where there were rebs to watch as well as 
snakes, but I got out and kept quiet until it was still, then I could hear the rebs 
talk, but could not tell what they said, but somehow I felt " we-uns were 
whipped," and that I was in rather an unhealthy place. I had studied army 
tactics somewhat, but could not tell what move to make to avoid capture. 

At this time I seemed to lose all my patriotism, and thought if I was only 
at home— somehow I wanted to see my mother— then the country might go to 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 405 

pot. I held a council of war (with myself). It was thought hest to go back over 
the same floodwood bridge. I got back safely. By this time it was quite dark, 
and I was lost in that awful canebrake. Again I had that same queer feeling in 
my head. I wandered around a long time, and walked perhaps a mile, when I 
saw a horse standing beside a road with a saddle and bridle on. I captured him 
at once, but on my* attempting to mount, the poor fellow reeled, and upon exami- 
nation, I found it was my own horse. He had hobbled on three legs. I tried to take 
the bridle off, but his jaws were locked. I took the saddle off his back and hid 
it. (The Chaplain of the Thirty-third Illinois Infantry found it, but on my 
describing it closely, gave it back.) Then I started on, and came to a road. Here 
I had no tactics to help me, but by feeling with my hands, I knew that our 
horses were shod without toe corks on front feet. I found the right direction, 
and at sunrise the next day I met an infantry regiment. Then all at once my 
patriotism came back. I was mad all over, and ready for another scrimmage 
with the rebels, of which I had a plenty before I was mustered out at the expira- 
tion of my term of service, November 12, 1864, as Sergeant of my company. 

Comrade W. P. Ott of Company F furnishes the ground 
work for the following incidents: 

A CHRISTMAS DINNER. 

December 25, 1863, the regiment had been scouting north of Moscow after 
the rebel General Forrest, and were eight or ten miles out. Christian Jergens and 
E. P. Ott concluded to do a little foraging for themselves to replenish their larder 
for a Christmas dinner. 

The orders of Captain Perkins were very strict in regard to the straggling 
from the column. But these two valiant troopers took the chances, and slipping 
out marched out one mile, and parallel with the column. They soon came to a 
fine large plantation, and going into the house, asked for something to eat. Here 
they were informed by the lady that they had been having a little Christmas din- 
ner, and had eaten everything in the house. Just at this time, the whole regi- 
ment marched up and camped, and in a few minutes, the house was overrun with 
soldiers who were hungry, and also searching for something to eat. Nothing 
was to be found, but there was a large cupboard which was securely locked and 
the lady of the house had the key in her pocket, stoutly declaring that there was 
nothing in it. She was asked by Sergeant Covill, very politely, to unlock it, who 
also told her, that if there was anything in it, they certainly would take nothing 
away. .Finally the cupboard was unlocked, and found to contain a goodly sup- 
ply of Christmas goodies, turkies, cakes, mince pies, etc., which was no doubt 
intended for their friends with General Forrest. The Ninth boys quickly confis- 
cated the lot. Sergeant Covill got a roast turkey, Ott a large cake, and a crock 
of milk, and taking them to Company F's camp got up an elegant Christmas din- 
ner, inviting Major Gifford and Captain Mock to participate with the boys of the 
mess, which was then M. J. Covill, Mort. Anderson, Jerry Gay, and E. P. Ott. 

"CRAMPING" A BARREL OF FLOUR. 

It was the custom of Commissary Davenport to ssue five days' rations of flour 



406 HISTORY OF THE 

and hard tack, while in camp, and the boys rather preferring flour, and not hav- 
ing a plentiful supply of Uncle Sam's greenbacks, E. P. Ott, of Company F, con- 
cluded to do a little foraging on the Commissary. Sunday night after fortifying 
himself by attendance at divine service, he requested the sentinel to waken him 
at one o'clock a. m. At the appointed hour he slipped out of his tent, and moved 
cautiously to the Commissary quarters. The flour was in barrels in rear of Com- 
missary-Sergeant Walker's tent. Quietly approaching the tent, Walker's sonor- 
ous breathing assured them they would not be discovered, and Ott detaching a 
barrel rolled it down hill to the quarters of Company F, and dividing it into four 
equal portions, one for each mess, carried the empty barrel into the camp of the 
Sixth Illinois Cavalry near by. The next day the four bags of flour were taken 
to a baker, who furnished them with bread as they required while it lasted. 
This deed of ill-repute has laid on the conscience of Comrade Ott, and now even 
at this late day, he being a good Christian and knowing that " open confession is 
good for the soul," he having reformed, promises that if the Commissary will 
forgive him this time, he will never steal another barrel of flour from him. This 
occurred at La Grange, Tenn., in the fall of 1863. 

Another incident was that of confiscating some potatoes from 
an old sesesh near Germantown : 

A few members of this same virtuous Company F corraled a negro who 
was cultivating cotton, and set him to digging potatoes, while they sat on the 
fence overseeing the job. Soon the old planter came out, and began cursing the 
negro, when he was informed that the negro was in the employ of the soldiers. 
He still stormed and said, "He had no potatoes to sell," but finally said they were 
worth a dollar and a half per bushel. When they got the potatoes they wanted, 
the boys handed him a Confederate bill for five dollars. The old fellow asked 
" If that was a greenback," and was told "No," that "he being a rebel should be 
willing to take that. " The old fellow followed them to camp, but the boys got in 
ahead, and changing hats for caps, their jackets for blouses, he could not identify 
the culprits. At roll call Captain Perkins gave them a severe lecture in the presence 
of the old planter, but when the rebel had left, he told the boys "They might 
steal all they could from the rebels, only they were to be sure that they were not 
caught at it." 

A QUEER FREAK OF LIGHTNING. 

While the regiment was on the march, June 8, 1863, near by Byhalia, the 
weather had been very bad, and raining with heavy thundering and lightning, 
when suddenly a tremendous peal startled the whole regiment. It was not known 
where the bolt had fallen, and the column was moving on again, when a man 
from near the rear came galloping to the front, shouting "Stop the column!" 
Going back to the ambulance train, a most singular sight was observed. There 
was the ambulance, and two men sitting on the driver's seat unhurt. Two 
horses that had been drawing the vehicle, dead, and one horse belonging to one 
of the sick men (Lieutenant McMahon) hitched to the rear of the ambulance also 
dead; all three horses killed by the same shaft of lightning, and the men between 
uninjured. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 407 

How that thunderbolt managed to perform this feat, I leave for more scien- 
tific men than myself to explain, hut the fact remains the same, and no doubt 
many comrades who read this account will remember the occurrence. 

The following sketch is written from memory, after twenty- 
four years from time the occurrence narrated took place, by 
Thomas W. Eaton, of Company E, Ninth Illinois Cavalry: 

We landed at Memphis, Tenn., Friday night, April 29, 1864; went into camp 
Saturday, and Sunday, May 1st, about eighty of the regiment were mounted and 
armed with Colt's revolvers, and sent as a body guard to General Sturgis, who 
was in command of an expedition of about five thousand infantry into Mississippi. 
The command left Memphis Sunday evening, May 1, 1864, and marched one 
week and laid by Sunday, May 8th, to let the infantry rest. 

E. G. Ball, a new recruit of Company E, and myself received permission of 
our commander to ride out in the country and forage. We went out two or three 
miles from camp and stopped at a man's house by the name of Jackson, and 
there Comrade Ball and myself were captured by two rebel soldiers and one old 
guerrilla, who marched us two days and turned us over to General Chalmers, 
seven miles north of Oxford, Miss., and the next day we were taken to Oxford 
and turned over to the Provost-Marshal. There were in our party three ( Ball, 
myself and a young man from the Seventh Indiana Cavalry), and in the course of 
two days four more unfortunates were brought in, two from the Second Michigan 
and one each from the Tenth Missouri and Sixth Tennessee Cavalry. 

We were placed in a three-story building east of the court house for about 
two and a half weeks, when the man from the Sixth Tennessee, who was called 
"Martin," and I arranged to escape by tying two blankets together, the only ones 
we had. We had one man lie under the window and hold the end of the blan- 
ket, while we slid down on the outside. We had to drop about fifteen feet to the 
ground. While we were doing this the other prisoners were telling stories to the 
guards in the building, and one sitting in the doorway. After reaching the ground 
we crept out of town in the darkness, and hid in the tamarac bushes; lay there 
until the moon arose before we could take our bearings for Memphis. We trav- 
eled all that night, and about sunrise we came to the Tallahatchie River, and were 
obliged to follow the river down for about two miles before we could cross, after 
which we made the best time we could, and marched all that day, the second 
night and the second day until about 2 o'clock in the afternoon, when we hap- 
pened to be walkiDg in the road bed of a disused railroad, when we asked an old 
man who stood at his front gate for "something to eat," and he said he would 
"go to the house and get us something." I then asked him "if there were any 
Confederate soldiers about." He said there was a whole company of them just 
one and a quarter miles north, at Hernando, Miss. We concluded not to wait for 
anything to eat, but undertook to get into tall timber just as soon as possible, and 
we had gone about six hundred yards north when there was a man rode out from 
the same house that we had stopped in front of and pursued and overtook us about 
a quarter of a mile north of the gate. We parleyed with him but a very short time 
when he pursuaded us to start back toward Oxford with him, but we had not 



408 , HISTORY OF THE 

gone more than two or three hundred yards, when I made a spring - leap and caught 
him around the body above the bridle arm, clasping both hands above his revolver 
arm. His horse took fright and jumped from under him and left us both on the 
grouud, when we wrenched the revolver from his grasp and made him get on his 
feet, and we ran him two or three miles, until he was completely run down and 
tired out. We drove him out one side in a cornfield, and then we ran for a mile or 
more and hid until dark before w r e would make another move. When it became 
dark we marched that third night until we were about seven miles due south from 
Memphis, when it came daylight, and on account of the thickly populated coun- 
try we could make but slow progress, and w T e wandered around until we came 
out on the Pigeon Roost road, eight miles east of Memphis, when we were over- 
taken by a battalion of the Second Iowa Cavalry, and came into Memphis with 
them about 10 o'clock at night on the fourth night out, making a little over three 
days and nights that we had not had a mouthful of anything to eat. 

I brought in the revolver I captured from the rebel and afterwards sold it to 
Joseph Allen of our company, E, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Veteran Regiment. 

The following incidents are taken from the advance sheets of 
work termed : " Four Years in the Cavalry Service by a Corporal 
of Company E, Ninth Illinois Cavalry." 

[P. B. Bowser.] 
"We had no sooner crossed the Currant River into Arkansas, in April, than 
I was detailed with nine men to report to a Lieutenant of Company M for escort 
duty, to proceed into the country to procure forage. Similar details were made 
from other companies, so we numbered a sum total of fifty men. We took along 
about twenty-five six-mule teams. The roads were good, the country fine and 
the land of the richest quality. We bowled along the hard roads at a round 
pace, and at about 5 o'clock in the evening went into camp. As we had been 
very short of rations, we brought nothing with us, intending to forage off the 
country. Each squad went in a different direction to procure supper at some 
plantation, and with orders to look out for corn. I was determined to get a good 
supper for my men, and so I took the main road, and we started off at a slow 
gallop, and we were soon five or six miles away from camp. We knew nothing 
of any other troops anywhere near us, but on reaching the top of a hill, on look- 
ing below us, we saw a number of armed men come out of the woods, probably 
about fi f 1 3^ . They were foot soldiers, and cavalry was no match for them on such 
ground, as we were in a long narrow lane. As they were in their shirt sleeve* 
mostly, and as it was growing dark, we could not distinguish the color of their 
uniforms, if they wore any. We looked at them but a moment, when some one 
of the boys said but the single word " rebels," when we all wheeled our horses, 
and were not long in getting out of that lane, as we were all splendidly mounted. 
I had a good horse, and being a good rider and light, easily kept in the advance, 
but as we rode along I began to think it would not do to go back to camp without 
at least showing fight. So after great efforts on my part, and only by drawing 
my revolvei and threatening to shoot if they did not obey me, I succeeded at last 
in getting my little band halted. We then discussed the question, and concluded 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 409 

to go to the end of the lane, where there was a clear open space, and form and 
wait until the supposed enemy came up. If they proved to be rebs, we would fight 
them, slowly retreating until reinforced, if not all the better. By this time they 
were in sight, and the first thing we observed was a white flag stuck on the end of 
a bayonet, so we slowly moved down the lane to meet them. It was a squad of 
men under a Lieutenant belonging to the Ninth Wisconsin Infantry, who had 
been over to Doniphan on some business and lost their way. As soon as they 
were near, the Lieutenant asked: " Say, Corporal, did our boys lose anything you 
went back after?" We, of course, had our fun over it, but they were glad to see 
us, and we were glad they were not rebels. 

So we went on, and about a mile farther came to a plantation owned by a man 
named Downey, who was very clever, and who invited us in, and we had a very 
good supper. He was a Union man, of course, so we offered to pay him, and did 
so, giving him ten cents a piece for our supper in silver, for all that he had two 
sons in the rebel army under Price. 

After loading our wagons with corn, our Lieutenant offered vouchers for all 
we took. One old rebel would not take his voucher, but we kept his corn all the 
same. He was a leading planter in that part of the country, and was often ap- 
pealed to for advice, and yet he could read but little and barely write his name. 

A Sergeant of our command entered a house not far from our camp, and see- 
ing no one on the porch proceeded to enter one of the rooms at the end, when, 
without warning, whiz! came a hatchet barely missing his head, and fastened 
itself in one of the logs of the house. The hatchet was thrown by a young lady, 
the only one of the family at home at the time. The Sergeant did not stay to 
argue the question, but went at once like the guests at Lady Macbeth's feast. 

When we arrived at Pocahontas, we found a deserted printing office, which 
I, at the request of our Colonel, took possession of and got out a paper. Here 
Geaeral Steele gave xm permission to confiscate paper, etc. , and to issue a paper, 
also furnishing the following brief sketch of his own career: 

" General Frederick Steele was born in Delaware county, N. Y., and entered 
the military academy at West Point in 1839; graduated as Second Lieutenant 
in 1843, and made a Brevet First Lieutenant, for gallant and meritorious conduct 
at the battle of Contrerus, Mexico, August 20, 1848. He was with the storming 
party at Chapultepec, where he received a Brevet Captaincy for gallant con- 
duct, was made a Brigadier-General of Volunteers January 20, 1862." 

I found a boy named Hall, who had once worked in a printing office, and he 
was detailed to help me. 

The Colonel suggested that we invite the officers of the regiment to contrib- 
ute each one a sketch, but as we only remained here a day and night.it was im- 
possible to do so, so I got out one paper, selling them at ten cents each, and real- 
ized about twenty-five dollars by the enterprise. 

At Jacksonport a squad of soldiers called at a house for dinner. A young 
lady met them at the door, and after some sharp talk on both sides, she up and 
spat in the Sergeant's face, who had charge of the squad, when he immediately 
knocked her down. The affair was reported to the Colonel, and the boys were 
at first afraid he would punish the Sergeant, as he had been in the regular service 
so long, was stationed south, and was thought to be pro-slavery in his views, but 



410 HISTORY OF THE 

he only said, "Served her right, I did not bring my men downhere to he insulted." 
So the Sergeant came out all right. 

" General Osterhaus stopped at Galloway's for several hours as his command 
was marching by. He is a splendid looking officer from a German standpoint. 
Tall and heavy built, closely shaven except a heavy gray moustache, he looks 
every inch a soldier, and would do for a model for a Prussian trooper, with his 
high cavalry boots, a private's blouse, caps, spurs and a common heavy cavalry 
sabre, with nothing to distinguish his rank except a cheap pair of shoulder 
straps. 

" It was a very hot day, and as is always the case on the march, the troops 
suffered for water. There was a splendid old-fashioned well in the front yard 
with a windlass, and an old oaken bucket, and I noticed that Osterhaus drew and 
carried several buckets of water to the fence and with his own hand gave drink to 
his tired and dusty troopers, and more than all, had a kind word for every one, 
at least I suppose it was, but it was in German, and I understood but little of what 
was said." 

"THE CAVALIER." 

The following extracts are taken from some old copies of the 
Cavalier, a small paper published at different times " as often 
as convenient," by P. B. Bowser, George W. Hall, S. B. Davis, 
and J. F. Netzel, at Jacksonport, Ark., under the supervision of 
the Provost-Marshal, and by consent of Colonel Brackett. Three 
old files have kindly been furnished me by Comrade S. B. Davis, 
now editor of the Starke County Republican, at Knox, Ind. 

[From the Cavalier, May 23, 1862.'] 

"To Our Readers: — We suppose that like all editors we must make an 
excuse for issuing this little sheet. A respectable apology for begging respectable 
people to become its patrons, and pay exorbitant ra'tes for gas that burns only to 
make peoples' noses assume the pug order; or what editors generally do, make a 
bow to the dear people, try to say some elegant things, tell them the innumerable 
benefits that are to accrue to them from the publication of a paper only intended 
to amuse those who 'get it up,' and furnish food for gossip to those who have 
nothing else to do but talk, and have run out of topics for conversation." 
********** 

" This little sheet is intended in some measure to take the place of letter writ- 
ing to the United States troops now stationed here, to put in running order a valu 
able office that should be employed by its owner in carrying out their high and 
honorable purpose which its material was intended to serve, to do justice to those 
who may haply be regarded as invaders, and as well and fully to those 
in whose midst we are temporarily thrown. We have stated the motto of the 
paper — ' The Union as it was and ever shall be.' 

********** 

With these brief statements of principle and heart yearning, we extend the 
hand of friendship and brotherly love to all who lift up their hands and subscribe 
to our motto. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY YOLUNTEEES. 411 

PERSONAL. 

We are glad to see with us once more Captain William Chidister, of Company 
I, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He still bears the marks of a severe illness. His 
presence among us, when he is still too weak for severe duties, affords a striking 
contrast to those officers whose knees become weak at the first sound of a rumor 
that we might some day smell powder. 

We are glad to announce the anticipated arrival of General Jackson and his 
foreign attache, G. Erastus. In thought we see him on his fiery black, now 
foaming and gnashing at the bit, plunging into one after another of the roaring 
torrents which lie between him and us, his head (the General's) rising far above 
the surrounding heads, fire flashing from the wiry covering that adorns his 
caput, and his voice rising above the din of waters as he orders " Vollensack to 
the rear " and the column forward. 

Captain Barnard F. Stampoffski, of Company F, and Lieutenant Walter B. 
Anderson, of Company H, have resigned. 

Provost Marshal's Office. ) 
Jacksonport, Ark., May 18, 1862. \ 
The undersigned wishes to call the attention of all concerned to the following 
extracts from Major-General Halleck's General Orders: 

general orders no. 3. 

"November 20, 1861. 
" It has been represented that important information respecting the numbers 
and conditions of our forces is conveyed to the enemy by means of fugitive slaves, 
who are admitted within our lines. In order to remedy this evil, it is directed 
that no such persons be hereafter permitted to enter the lines of any camp or of 
any forces on the march, and that any now within such lines be immediately 
excluded therefrom." 

"Also" General Orders No. 25, December 14, 1861, which forbids the bringing 
in or selling to United States soldiers intoxicating or spirituous liquors. 

"These orders will be strictly adhered to and carried out, and all persons 
within the military district violating either of them will be punished with the 
severest penalties of the law." 

[Signed] Linus D. Bishop, 

Provost-Marshal. 

[From "The Cavalier" of June 14, 1S62>] 

" Skirmish between United States troops and the Hooker Bandits near Jack- 
sonport, Ark. Brilliant charge of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. C. S. A. Copper- 
heads take to the woods." 

"Yesterday an engagement took place between a portion of the United States 
forces stationed near this place, and the Confederates, known in this vicinity as 
'Hooker's Company,' about three hundred strong." 

In the morning a train of thirty-six wagons was sent out by Colonel Brackett 
for the purpose of getting corn and bacon at the Waddell farm, near Village 
Creek, with an escort of parts of four companies (K, M, D and C) of the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry, under Major Humphrey. The farm is about five miles from 



412 HISTORY OF THE 

Jacksonport, and when the trains were within about one-half mile from it the 
advance guard (Company K, Captain Cameron) were suddenly attacked by a 
large force of the enemy. This attack on the part of the enemy was gallantly 
resisted by Captain Cameron and his company, who made, in their retreat before 
greatly superior numbers, several stands, firing upon and wounding and killing 
several of the enemy, until he had fallen back to the main body, when there 
seemed by common consent to be a cessation of fighting for some considerable 
time. Major Humphrey, deeming his command insufficient to charge upon the 
enemy successfully without sacrificing the lives of his men, which could easily be 
avoided by waiting a little while for reinforcements from " Camp Tucker," sent 
for at the first volley of the enemy. Two hours after the attack upon the advance 
guard, Colonel Bracket was at the Waddell farm, having crossed Black River by 
ferry, with two companies of Bowen's Battalion, Missouri Volunteers, and two 
small howitzers. He found the forage train halted in the road and the enemy in 
force in front, shouting and jeering at our men with that profuseness of obscenity 
and blasphemous profanity for which the chivalrous, high-toned Confederate 
troops are distinguished. The rest of the fight outside of their braggadocia was 
of very few moments' duration. Two shots from the howitzers and a brilliant 
charge of four companies, A, M, K, C, of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, upon the 
enemy, and he was seen plying whip and spur to his fleet animals, seeking a safe 
refuge from the glittering sabers and determined hearts and heads and strong 
arms that were in hot pursuit. 

The result of the skirmishes throughout was, to the enemy, in killed, wounded 
and prisoners in our hands, twenty-eight, so far as we can learn, though Captain 
Cameron's men think the figure too low. On our side we have a loss of one 
taken prisoner by the enemy and twelve wounded, two of them severely. 

The following is a list of those wounded and missing on our side: 

Wounded: Corporal J. O. H. Spinney, Corporal J. H. Waldo, Private Will- 
iam Luce. Private Thomas A. Poster, Private James Sherlock, Private O. D. 
Herrick, Private John R. Wilder, Private H. D. Sturmis, Private W. Farnsworth, 
Private J. Kelley. Private Frank Boyle, all of Company K. 

Missing: Private Harry Strong, Company K, Ninth Blinois Cavalry, a pris- 
oner in the hands of the enemy. 

Thirty-six wagons went out, thirty-eight returned, laden with corn, bacon, 
flour, vinegar, etc. 

Colonel Brackett speaks in the highest tones of the conduct of Major Hum- 
phrey, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Captain Williams and Lieutenants Madison and 
Ball we, and First Sergeant Miller, of Bowen's Missouri Cavalry Battalion, as 
also of Captains Burgh, Knight, Cowen, Blakemore and Perkins, and Lieuten- 
ants Benton, Hillier, Shear, Conn, Butler and Smith, Battalion Adjutant Black- 
burn and Sergeant-Major George A. Price, and especially of First Sergeant Clark, 
Company K, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

Dr. James W. Brackett. Surgeon of the Ninth, was promptly on the ground 
with all the proper appliances for the comfort of the wounded, and Quartei 
ter Price of the same regiment (always ready for duty) was " on hand" looking 
after the material interests of Uncle Sam. 

Company D, Ninth Illinois Cavalry, Captain Cowen, was placed in charge of 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 413 

the train during the fight, and is entitled to great credit for the faithful per- 
formance of that kind of dury, when all were eager and anxious to be in the 
fray. 

The following good story comes to me from Comrade Edward 
D. Ay res, Elizaville, Ind: 

" Soon after our arrival at Helena, Ark., I had been sick in the hospital (in 
that long wood building used for that purpose). After a partial recovery, I was 
detailed by Surgeon Brackett to give medicine and wait on the sick. There was 
an old fellow, a native of the State of Arkansas, came into camp claiming pro- 
tection on account of his Union sentiments. After a day or two he put in an ap- 
pearance at the hospital claiming to be sick, but he was never too sick to eat a 
hearty meal. About this time the whisky that was furnished for medicinal pur- 
poses began to mysteriously disappear, and in compliance with instructions from 
Dr. Charles Brackett, to whom I had reported the matter, an empty bottle was 
partially filled with a combination of whisky and croton oil, and set in the place 
of one that was being used out of. By keeping a sharp lookout I had the satis- 
faction of seeing that same identical old fellow gulp down a large part of the 
contents of that bottle. Well, in a short time there was a great commotion in the 
room to which our Arkansan had retired; such groans and sounds as one in 
such desperate straits would be likely to utter. The sounds were simply ter- 
rific, we all thought the old fellow would die, but the skill of Dr. Charles Brack- 
ett brought him through. As soon as he was able to travel he disappeared, and 
after his departure the whisky was undisturbed. 

FROM REEVES STATION TO PONDER'S MILLS— SLEEPING UNDER 
DIFFICULTIES— MY FIRST AND ONLY ARREST— BUGLING A 
MOONSHINER OUT OF CAMP. 

The 8th of April dawned bright and clear, when, in answer to the bugle's 
ringing call, the Ninth Illinois Cavalry struck their tents and were soon in line 
ready for the march. We took the Donovan road to the south, and everjr trooper's 
heart beat high in expectation of coming adventure. r lhe day's march was 
uneventful, and so we went into camp in the evening. The clouds that had been 
gathering began to pour down rain, and our tents and our provisions were in 
the wagons stuck in the mud miles behind . We were obliged to go supperless 
and shelterless to bed, though the most of the boys preferred to sit around the 
camp fire or seek shelter from the driving rain under the protection of the trees, 
sleep being out of the question. 

Our first practical experience as troopers began that night. The mess to which 
I belonged, consisting of S. D. Cleland, W. G. Marts, Joseph Littlefield and my- 
self, set about improvising a shelter of poles and brush over which we placed ou r 
ponchos. Under this frail structure we spread our blankets and stowed ourselves 
away for the night. We had to lie " spoon fashion," and owing to our hampered 
position, when one turned all had to turn. 

About 2 o'clock in the morning Littlefield felt something cold touching him, 
and raising suddenly, displaced the ponchos above him and let several bucketsful 



414 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

of water in on us. This sudden and unexpected baptism brought us all to our feet, 
scattering our shelter in every direction. There had been considerable friction 
between Cleland and Littlefield for some cays, and this unlucky accident brought 
on a war of words that culminated in Littlefield challenging Cleland to fight a 
duel, which polite request was most emphatically declined. The balance of the 
time till day dawned we shivered over the smoldering embers of our camp fire. 
About this time our stomachs began to demand attention, and from a farmyard 
close by Marts secured an old hen (which was, so far as known, never settled for), 
and in less time than it takes to write we had her skinned and ready for the fire. 
A leg and thigh fell to my share, and putting a pinch of salt with it I soon had my 
quart cup full of a most delicious stew which was most appetizing and satisfying. 

At an early hour " boots and saddles" sounded, and we resumed our march 
as far as "Ponder's Mills" on Little Black River, three miles away, when we went 
into camp to await the arrival of our " wagon train." The idea of looking out for 
number one was rapidly developing in us, so Cleland, Littlefield and myself 
started up the river in search of provisions. About a mile from camp we came 
to a house and the women at our soliciation cooked a dinner for us, which we were 
in shape to enjoy immensely. It consisted of the traditional " hog and hominy" 
(a dish a hungry trooper was never known to refuse), with "Johnny cake " and 
molasses, washed down with rye coffee. 

The temptation to have some of that molasses in camp was too great to resist, 
so taking my tin cup I filled it from the barrel and started to return. Before we 
had gone far we met a Lieutenant in charge of a squad of men looking for strag- 
glers, who arrested us and took us to the Colonel's tent. Here we received a 
sharp reprimand for being outside the lines without orders. The tin cup, which 
I had been trying to keep out of sight as much as possible, attracted his attention, 
and upon ascertaining that it had been confiscated, he gave us a short lecture on 
the sin of stealing, turned the molasses over to the headquarters' cook, I suppose 
on the theory from his standpoint of view, that the best thing to do with it was to 
put it where it would do the most good, and ordered us to our company, assuring 
us if we were ever caught in such a scrape again we would be punished severely. 

Soon after the wagons came up with our tents and provisions, and in a short 
time we were comfortably situated, but I always regretted the loss of the molasses. 
About 3 o'clock the afternoon of the 19th, while in the same camp, an order came 
for the Buglers to report at headquarters, which we did. Here we found one of 
the natives, who had been arrested for selling whisky to the boys from an impro- 
vised bar in an old one horse wagon, and the orders were to bugle Mm out of camp. 

He was placed in the middle of the road, the twenty-four regimental Buglers 
formed in column of fours behind him, and the procession started . As the mud 
was hub deep in the road, the situation can be imagined. We soon found we were 
in for a mud bath ourselves, and we took our revenge on the old man, splattering 
him with mud until, when we finally halted on the outskirts of camp, and bid him 
good-bye, it was impossible to tell what the original color of his clothing had 
been. I spent the most of the next day drying and cleaning the mud from my 
clothing, and it has never been clear to my mind which was punished the most, 
the old reprobate who sold the whisky, or the buglers of the Ninth Illinois Cav- 
alry. George M. Keller, 

Company A, Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 

Letters from General Hatch — The Shoal Cueek Campaign, by Lyman B. 
Pierce, Color Bearer — Second Iowa Cayalry — Letter prom E. Dcen- 
dorf — Letter from General D. E. Coon. 

Fort Robinson, Neb., June 18, 1888. 
E. A. Davenport. t\',3 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, 111. 

Dear Sir:— It please;; me greatly to learn yon are interesting yourself in 
preserving the history of a regiment as remarkable as the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 
I cau recall many instances of its wonderful courage, none ever excelled it in 
daring dash and fighting qualities. To me one of its most conspicuous actions 
occurring under my own eye, was at the pass to Lawrenceville from the action at 
Campbellville, when we were falling back before Hood's army, when the 
troops were being withdrawn, and the Ninth Illinois, with one regiment compos- 
ing the rear guard and the battery, were hard pressed by two divisions of For- 
rest's cavalry. There seemed little chance of their joining the command, when 
out of the crash of musketry and artillery they came out of the melee as cooly 
as when on drill, not losing a prisoner. On that day an aid of General Thomas 
joined us, who had joined me, who had served then three years of the war in 
many hard battles, who remarked for cool desperate fighting he had never seen 
its equal. 

To have been prominent among the regiments assaulting the works at Nash- 
ville is enough to establish the reputation of the regiment forever. The corps 
commander's report of Nashville, where he states he had known good infant ry 
repulsed from less difficult positions than was carried by the brigade of which 
the Ninth Illinois Cavalry was one of the five, and conspcious for the bravery 
displayed in the charges referred to, will live forever in the.aunals of the Nation. 
That the Ninth Illinois will be remembered as a remarkable regiment you can 
rest assured. So many actions in which it was conspicuous will never be for- 
gotten. 

I shall be glad to see the history. Please add me to your list of subscribers. 

Yours very truly, 

Edward Hatch, 
Brevet Major General. 

SHOAL CREEK CAMPAIGN. 

The following accounts are so well written, and show so well the movements 
of the cavalry division of which the Ninth Illinois Cavalry formed a part on 
that memorable sixty-four days' expedition from Memphis to Nashville, Tenn., 
from September 30th to December 2, 1864, that I have deemed it best to embody 
them in full in this history. They are taken from the "History of the Second 
27 415 



416 HISTORY OF THE 

Iowa Cavalry," written by Sergeant Lyman B. Pierce, regimental color bearer, 
and published in 1865: 

"The Confederate Government, conscious of their inability to check the 
advance of Sherman, had already commenced the execution of their long talked 
of scheme of invading Tennessee, capturing Nashville, and planting their victori- 
ous armies on the banks of the Ohio. This movement they claimed would 
compel Sherman to abandon his campaign, and thus prove the turning point of 
the war. But they had counted without their host. Sherman took no notice of 
Hood, but having turned him over to General Thomas, he leisurely pursued his 
plans for the final blow at the Rebellion. 

General Hood, Jeff. Davis' chosen leader for this invasion, had been given 
command of the finest army the Confederate government boasted, out of Rich- 
mond, one corps of which he had already crossed to the north side of the Ten- 
nessee, at Florence, Ala. 

Brigadier-General Croxton was stationed on Shoal Creek, ten miles northeast 
of Florence, with a poorly armed brigade of cavalry to watch Hood's movements, 
but his force was entirely too small to confront so large an army. Hatch was 
therefore ordered to proceed to Shoal Creek with his division, now known as the 
Fifth Division Cavalry Corps, M. D. M., and having united his forces with those 
of General Croxton, to take command of all. Croxton's command had suffered 
severely from the assaults of Hood's troops, and General Hatch found great dili- 
gence requisite for guarding against this wily and powerful foe. But in selecting 
him for this work, General Thomas had placed the right man in the right place, 
as was attested by the fact that while he remained there, the enemy, who out- 
numbered his force five to one, did not succeed, in any instance, in gaining 
advantage over him. General Hatch reached Shoal Creek November 6th, and 
that night made a reconnoissance of the rebel pickets, the result of which was a 
sharp skirmish between the two forces across the creek. 

No advantage, save a knowledge of the rebel position, was gained. Our loss 
was none. Hatch attacked the enemy's pickets on the 8th. The Second Iowa 
were the advance and attacking part}-. Captain Foster moved forward upon the 
rebel right until he gained the creek, when Company D, Lieutenant Griffith com- 
manding, plunged into the stream, swollen by the rains. The current, however, 
was too strong to be resisted successfully, and as the horses reached the swiftest 
part of the water, they were rolled down the stream with resistless fury. This 
necessitated the abandonment of the attempt at crossing. While this was passing 
on the left, Company I, Lieutenant Watson commanding, pressed to the creek on 
the right, and attempted to reach and burn a mill near the opposite side of the 
stream, used by the rebels to grind corn for their army. But this mill was 
strongly guarded, besides being protected by the same resistless flood that had 
turned Company D back on the left. Under cover of this attack Major Moore, 
with the Third Battalion, moved off to the right and crossed the creek at a forp 
some distance above. Thus over the creek, Moore moved southwest, by a rapid 
march, passing entirely around Hood's army, from one to three miles from his 
lines, and at daylight on the morning of the 9th he struck the Tennessee River, 
fourteen miles below Florence. The object of this hazardous da^li was to aid 
eight soldiers sent down the river a few days previous to attempt the destruction 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 417 

of Hood's pontoons at Florence. As soon as Moore struck the point designated, 
he caused a large bonfire, built as a guide to these fellows, who Hatch hoped 
might have reached that neighborhood in need of help. Moore waited here for 
them to report as long as it was prudent, when, hearing nothing from them, he 
turned his face campward, which he reached after again swimming Shoal Creek 
on the night of the 10th. The boys with Moore were hungry, wet and weary, 
having been out thirty-eight hours in a continual rain storm. Twenty-nine hours 
of this time were spent in the saddle, either fighting or on the rapid march. 
Major Moore pressed citizens to guide him on the 9th, palming himseli off upon 
them as a Confederate officer. The men, after whom Moore went, did not suc- 
ceed in their pontoon-destroying enterprise, and were most of them captured. 

As General Hatch was determined to keep posted as to the doings and posi- 
tions of the enemy he was watching, he made a third attack upon their lines on 
the 11th. Major Schmitzer, with theSecond Battalion of the Second Iowa, forced 
a crossing, fording the creek and driving in the pickets on the other side. At the 
same time of this move, Captain Harper, with the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, crossed 
the creek above, and coming around in the rebel rear he charged their pickets, 
striking a panic in their camp, under cover of which he recrossed below and 
rejoined the command. 

On the 18th of November, Colonel Coon again crossed Shoal Creek with the 
Second Brigade, and moved several miles around the enemy's camp. When some 
five miles from the creek, w T e struck the rebel pickets, just as they were being 
posted after a foraging tour; Company D, Lieutenant Griffith commanding, was 
in advance. As the videttes, four in number, discovered the pickets, they imme- 
diately charged them with such fury that the rebels fled without firing a shot, or 
even halting to see the strength of their pursuers. These videttes pursued llum 
to the main column, capturing two prisoners, two revolvers and sixteen guns. 
Colonel Coon continued the reconnoissance for a few miles further, and then, 
returned to the neighborhood of Cowpen Ford, where he camped for a few- 
days. 

On the 18th Major Horton made a reconnoissance across the creek with the 
Second Iowa and Ninth Illinois Cavalry. He crossed at Cowpen Ford and 
moved around Hood's lines, within from three-fourths of a mile to a mile of the 
rebel pickets, penetrating the country as far as the Waynesboro road. When 
about midway between Shoal Creek and this road, he had to pass a main thor- 
oughfare leading direct to the rebel camp, not more than three miles distant. At 
this road he left the Ninth Illinois to keep back any force the enemy should send 
iu that direction, until, with the Second Iowa, he could complete the reconnois- 
sance, and return to that place. We had not moved far, however, before the 
report of the Ninth Illinois rifles told us that Harper could not hold his post in 
peace. Soon an orderly came from Harper informing Horton that the enemy 
were concenrtating such a force at that point, that he should be forced to yield 
the road to them. Upon the reception of this news, Horton oidereel Harper to 
fall back by the most practicable route and re-cross the creek, leaving him to get 
out as best he could after completing his march to the Waynesboro road. We now 
pressed rapidly forward until the desired point was reached and the requisite 
information obtained. This done, Major Horton directed his guide to take him 



418 HISTORY OF THE 

to some ford farther up the creek than the one at which Harper was expected to 
cross. As we had no train, the guide took us to an old disused ford, where, 
having to cross a very rough country and a very muddy field, we succeeded in 
crossing the creek in safety. The knowledge obtained by Horton of the exist- 
ence of this ford subsequently proved of great importance to our brigade. 

On the morning of the 19th of November General Hatch ordered Colonel 
Coon to cross the creek with the second brigade, and establish a camp on Butler 
Creek. From information gained by former reconnoissances, Colonel Coon 
regarded this as a very dangerous experiment, but, nevertheless, promptly obeyed 
the order, and by 10 o'clock a. m., the brigade with train and baggage had 
crossed the creek and moved towards the spot designated as our camp. Colonel 
Coon crossed at Cowpen Ford, which is below where Butler Creek empties into 
Shoal Creek. No sooner had Coon moved out towards Butler Creek than 
General Forrest, who from the frequency of our reconnoissances was anticipating 
this move, moved upon our rear, cutting us off from Cowpen Ford. Forrest bad 
also sent General Buford's division of mounted infantry, consisting of ten regi- 
ments, to the ford above Butler Creek. 

As the Second Iowa; who were in the advance, crossed Butler Creek, they 
were attacked by General Buford,at the same time that the Ninth Illinois were at- 
tacked by Forrest in the rear. Our position at this crisis was anything but favor- 
able. Our force did not number over twelve hundred fighting men. Shoal 
Creek, fearfully swollen by the copious rains of the past few days, separated us 
from the balance of the division. Our front and rear were beset by vastly superior 
numbers, while a little distance to our left lay the powerful army of General 
Hood. We were completely in the trap set for us by Forrest, and all the known 
outlets guarded with a sufficient amount of troops to preclude the hope of break- 
ing through them. Fortunately for us, the center of our column still command- 
ed a by-path that led to the old ford where Major Horton had crossed the day 
before. It seems that Forrest knew nothing of this ford, or he would have guard- 
ed it as he did all the other crossings. Major Horton, who commanded the ad- 
vance, saw at once our only hope of escape was in crossing Shoal Creek here, 
before Forrest should discover it. He therefore quickly threw the Second Iowa 
to the front to hold Buford in check. Then, without waiting to communicate 
with Colonel Coon, he ordered Lieutenant Boget to take charge of the pack train 
and rush with all possible speed across this ford. He then sent an orderly to 
Colonel Coon, who was directing movements in the rear, informing him of the 
existence of this crossing and of his doings in ordering the train over. Colonel 
Coon approved of this promptness on the part of his subordinate in assuming re- 
sponsibility, and ordered the wagons to follow the pack train. These orders 
were obeyed with such dispatch that in less than one hour the encumbrances of 
the brigade were all safely over the creek. But how did the fighting part of the 
brigade spend this hour? Let the incessant roar of their faithful seven-shooters 
answer. Several companies of the Second Iowa were on picket, so that their 
fighting strength in the engagement was not more than one hundred and fifty 
men, and yet this little band were holding in meek Buford's entire division. The 
men were dismounted and well covered ' . a strong position. At one time the 
enemy came upon our center in a strong, aismounted charge, but as they neared 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 419 

the cover behind which the Second Iowa lay, they were received with such a tell- 
ing sheet of lead, that, great as was their superiority in numbers, their officers could 
not make their men (veterans though they were) face the storm, and they fell back 
in considerable disorder. Under cover of this momentary advantage, Major Hor- 
ton fell back and crossed the creek in safety, bringing off his wounded, five in 
number, with him. 

While this was being done, the Sixdi and Ninth Illinois were as gallantly 
doing their part in the rear and on the flank, where General Forrest was vainly 
attempting to break through their lines to the train. Captain Mock, with a bat- 
talion of the Ninth Illinois, got cut off from the ford, and was compelled to break 
out in another direction. He managed to manoeuver so as to defeat all attempts 
made to capture him, until night covered his movements with a friendly shield. 
Deeming it safer to divide up in small squads, they separated into platoons, each 
acting independently, but all striving to reach the command. As these squads 
wandered about in the darkness, they often found themselves within the enemy's 
lines. At such times they would either play off rebels, or by a dashing charge 
cut out, as appeared most expedient. As these little bands struck the rebel lines 
in various places, no little alarm and confusion was created in the enemy's camp, 
for each squad was naturally taken for the advance of an attacking column. 
Hood's army was under arms. Staff officers and orderlies galloped in every direc- 
tion, while various trains, loaded with headquarter baggage, w T ere in motion for 
more secure localities. Captain Mock came upon one of these trains, loaded with 
General Chalmer's headquarter luggage, and by a dashing movement captured it 
with all the mules and teamsters. Of course they could not take the train off, and 
it was abandoned, not, however, until Chalmers' large garrison flag, which was 
in the wagon, was secured and borne off in triumph; but even this was more than 
these gallant fellows could get away with, for it soon became entangled in the 
brush, and as speed was everything to them at this point they were obliged to 
abandon it. By daylight all these squads were safely over the creek. S< me of 
them were in almost a state of nudity, having been captured and stripped by the 
representatives of Southern chivalry. 

During that night, as he afterwards learned, General Rucker prepared anight 
attack upon our brigade, being, as he afterwards told General Hatch while a 
prisoner in our lines, confident of his ability to capture the most of the brigade. 
His men were all instructed to wear a white cloth upon their arms, so that they 
would know each other in the dark. Just as General Rucker was starting, he 
received orders from General Forrest to defer the attack, as he, Forrest, had 
another scheme which he hoped would result in the capture of the division. 
Thus we were spared what w T ould doubtless have proved an exciting, bloody 
fight, for our officers were on the alert and Rucker would have found that his 
task was not an easy one. Forrest's scheme for the capture of the division was 
defeated by Hatch, who, knowing the vastly superior force of the enemy, 
slipped out of the trap just before it was sprung. 

Gen. Hood advanced towards Nashville with his entire army on the 20th of 
November, 1864. He now commanded one of the most magnificent armies ever 
put into the field by the Confederate government. He had forty-five thousand 
infantry and ninety pieces of artillery, commanded by the best generals the 



420 HISTORY OF THE 

Confederacy afforded, besides fifteen thousand well mounted cavalry, com- 
muded by Major-General Forrest or the old war horse, as the rebels called him. 
Although Forrest was by profession a slave dealer, and entirely destitute of even 
the rudiments of a common school education; a barbarian, wanting in every qual- 
ification which constitutes a gentleman, yet it must be admitted that as a leader of 
cavalry he had few equals; he had none in the Confederate army. 

Brigadier-General Hatch who had confronted this powerful army for fifteen 
days with but forty-six hundred cavalry, now fell slowly back before them, 
being over forty miles from infantry support. It speaks well for General 
Hatch to state thatduring these fifteen days, he kept himself well advised of the 
movements of the enemy, with a loss of but one man killed, and that from his 
own body guard. In order correctly to judge the difficulties surrounding us on 
Shoal Creek campaign, the reader must know that duiiug our stay here the rain 
fell in torrents nearly every day, whhh made cur csnpirg giourds rubet 
quagmires, while the roads over which we were compelled to march and counter- 
march daily were so muddy as to render locomotion over them next to impossible. 
Add to this the fact that we had no shelter from the rain save gum-blankets, and 
no rations for ourselves or forage for our animals except as we collected it in the 
face of a vigilant and vastly outnumbering enemy from the surrounding country, 
which was at best so poor as to afford but a stinted subsistence to the owners, who 
of course hid all they could from us; and that owing to a peculiar poisonous in- 
gredient in the mud in this region, our horses, which to the cavalrymen are first 
importance, took the worst of all diseases, the greeseheel, to such a fearful extent 
that scarcely a sound animal could be found, while two-thirds of them were en- 
tirely unfit for use, and the reader will have some idea of the difficulties sur- 
mounted by General Hatch and his command, during his fifteen days' stay on 
Shoal Creek — a time not soon to be forgotten by those participating in it. 

Taking a glad farewell of these scenes, Hatch retrea ed to Lawrenceburg, 
where it became necessary to make another stand to allow the infantry at Pulaski 
longer time in which to evacuate that place. He bivouacked his command a little 
north of Lrwrenceburg, placing a strong picket on the pike south of the town. 
The enemy attacked this picket with eavaby on the morning of the 22d. Captain 
McMannis with a battalion of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, and Lieutenant Bandy 
with Companies D, F, I and M held this picket post so stubborn iy that the enem}' 
were compelled to bring up their infantry before they could advance, which they 
succeeded in doing about 2 o'clock P. M\, when Colonel Coon went to the siqiport 
of his pickets with the second brigade. The fight now raged with a good deal 
of fury until dark, the enemy advancing steadily. Artillery v as freely used on 
both sides, the Sixth Illinois Cavalry gallantly holding the rear against repeated 
charges and flank attacks from the enemy. Hatch retreated th. t night ab< ut ten 
miles and camped, moving back the next morning to within ten miles of Pulaski, 
where he halted again. The enemy pressed the rear somewhat, but devoted most 
of his attention to a scheme for cutting us off from our support. 

Early on the morning of the 24th we moved to Campbellville, where we were 
vigorously assailed by Forrest. This wily leader had here arranged a trap in 
which he expected to capture General Hatch and his command. Soon after the 
action began the rebel center gave way, with the hope of drawing Hatch for- 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 421 

ward, while a heavy flanking force should swing upon his rear and cut him off 
from the Franklin pike. This move was detected, however, by Major Schmit- 
zer, who was on the left with the first battalion of the Second Iowa. Schmilzer 
conveyed the knowledge of this movement of the enemy to General Hatch just 
in time to enable him to change front, and by rapidly throwing the second brig- 
ade upon the left, checkmate the attempt of the enemy to gain his rear. The 
fighting on the left with the second brigade, Colonel Coon, commanding, now 
became fierce and bloody. The Ninth Illinois, Captain Harper commanding, at 
first held the rear, and gallantly did these brave fellows hold in check the swarm- 
ing hosts which Forrest hurled against them. The fighting was bloody in the ex- 
treme, but this little band of a few hundred heroes on scores of well-fought 
fields, fell back in good style, retreating or fighting, as ordered. They were 
overpowered and terribly punished, some companies leavinghalf of their number 
on the bloody field. But as the Second Iowa, Major Horton commanding, re- 
lieved them, we saw plainly by their defiant mien that they were far from being 
whipped. 

Horton dismounted the Second Iowa and threw them forward to check the 
exultant enemy. The boys had scarce time to'take covering behind a neighboring 
fence, before the rebel column came down upon them in a charge calculated to 
ride down all that opposed it. The moment was a critical one. If they overpow- 
ered the little band of not over three hundred and fifty opposed to them, they 
could gain Hatch's rear, aud sad indeed would have been the consequence. But 
the boys who held that line of fence knew well the responsibility resting upon 
them, nor was the confidence reposed in them misplaced. As the rebel column 
advanced, it was met, by not well directed vollies, but a ceaseless sheet of mur- 
derous lead. The enemy are confounded, they waver and at last break in confu- 
sion. Scarcely, however, have the cheers of the victors told of their success, 
when other and even more powerful forces of the enemy's cavalry are discovered 
closing instill farther to the right. The older to retire is given, but as Major 
Moore, who commands the right of the line, attempts to obey the order, he finds 
that the enemy already command the road in his rear, completely cutting him ( ff 
from his lead horses. Seeing the impossibility of escape by this road, he fell 
back by the right and rear. Fortunately for him a neighb< rirg hill 
screened him so that the enemy did not discover the advantage they 
had gained, and but a portion of their force followed him. With these he 
kept up a running fight until he succeeded, after a march of some four miles, in 
forming a junction wuth the First Brigade and was safe. After Major Moore was 
cut off, the brunt of the battle fell upon Captain Bandy, commanding Companies 
I and D. For a few minutes it seemed that these companies must be inevitably 
lost, but after thirty minutes' fighting, in which all, both officers and men, showed 
the best of mettle, they succeeded in making good their retreat. The Sixth Illinois 
now took the rear. The fight raged until dark, wdien we reached the pike at Linn- 
ville. Hatch fell back that night to Columbia, which place was reached about mid- 
night. 

We were now within the infantry lines for the first time for nearly a month. 
We here received a mail, the first for sixty-five days, or since we left White's 
Station. General Hatch crossed Duck River at Columbia, on the 25th of Novem- 
ber, and camped for the night two miles from town . 



422 HISTORY OF THE 

An inspection of the horses was now ordered, the result of which showed 
that out of over four hundred horses in the Second Iowa, less than sixty were 
serviceable, the balance being rendered unfit for service by the greese heel. 
General Hatch was now relieved with his division from duty at the front, and 
allowed to proceed to Nashville for a remount if he desired. But this did not 
suit his fiery spirit, as it would probably take him out of the balance of the fight; 
hence he obtained permission to move his division out into the country, northeast 
of Columbia, and press horses from the citizens. 

Accordingly we moved out in the direction indicated, about eight miles, 
when we went into camp, while small squads scoured the country in all 
directions for horses. We remained here two days, during which time the boys 
had picked up horses in sufficient numbers to give us the best remount we had 
had since we veteranized. 

On the evening of the 28th General Hatch moved out on the Shelbyville 
pike, where we laid in line of battle all night. Before daylight on the morning 
of the 29th he moved back to Mount Carmel and halted for breakfast. General 
Croxton, who was now in the rear, soon came up closely pressed by the enemy. 
Croxton was relieved at Mount Carmel by our brigade, Colonel Coon command- 
ing. Coon held the fortifications here for an hour when he was ordered to retire, 
which he did in column of squadrons. The enemy followed until convinced they 
could make nothing following a force armed as we were, which could be so 
readily thrown in line of battle, when they withdrew, leaving us to complete our 
march to Franklin undisturbed. It was a common remark by both officers and 
men, that our brigade was never better manoeuvered on a retreat than during this 
day's march . 

We reached Franklin on the 29th of November. General Schofield, who 
commanded there, had not yet completed his arrangements for the evacuation of 
the place. A vast government train loaded with army stores was there. 

As but a very small portion of General Thomas army was at Franklin, General 
Hood thought this his time to break the Federal power by a crushing blow, and 
the capture of this train. Hood assembled his army and excited their cupidity 
by a description of the wealthy stores just before them. These deluded beings, 
who were almost entirely naked and poorly supplied with subsistence, were told 
that the coveted train contained the comfortable clothes and palatable rations 
always to be found in abundance at a well supplied post occupied by 
Federal troops. Hood told his bare-footed followers that this tempting prize 
was separated from them, but by a demoralized Fourth Corps, and that if they 
would strike one bold blow, it should be theirs. For many days our army had 
driven splendidly, and they supposed we were indeed whipped and demoralized. 
Schofield had constructed some very formidable breast works south of Franklin, 
behind which he placed his infantry— the Veteran Fourth Corps— under that 
skillful leader, Major-General Stanly, while Brevet General Wilson, commander 
of the cavalry corps, was ordered to protect the flanks. General Hatch with the 
Fifth Division, was placed upon the left flank. The enemy attacked the entire line 
at the same instant, but massing the heaviest force upon the center. Company K, 
Second Iowa, Captain Bandy commanding, were on picket in front of the left 
when the attack was made. They fell back fighting, and were relieved by the 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 423 

Sixth Illinois Cavalry, Major Whitzet commanding, just as they had 
expended all their ammunition — one hundred rounds each. The Sixth Illinois 
were forced back until they were protected by the guns of the brigade. The 
enemy now made a charge upon our brigade, which was handsomely repulsed by 
the Sixth, Seventh and Ninth Illinois, who in turn charged the enemy, com- 
pletely routing them at all points. The rebel center came down upon General 
Stanly in a style probably never excelled for determined bravery by any charge 
of the war. As they neared the works, the boys opened upon the assailants a fire 
so destructive that no living force could withstand it. The rebels succeeded in 
gaining possession of the works in one place for a few seconds, but they were 
quickly repulsed and the battle was over. The contest had been very brief, not 
having lasted over an hour, and yet the enemy had lost over six thousand men 
killed, viz: Major-General Cleburne, Brigadier-General, Gordon, Adams, Strahl, 
and Granberry, also two Major-Generals wounded. The Federal loss was but six 
hundred killed and wounded. 

We fell back to Nashville without further fighting, which place we reached 
on the 2d of December. The cavalry crossed the Cumberland River and camped 
at Edgefield. We there found our tents and knapsacks, the first time we had 
seen them since we left White's Station in September. 

AN INTERESTING LETTER. 

Kokomo, Colo., June 17, 1888. 
E. A. Davenport, Esq. 

Dear Sir: — Yours July received. Will state there is nothing " pro et con" 
myself individually subsequent to muster out that would militate one way or the 
other, and have no inclination to become notorious. 

I hope you are succeeding admirably with your historical facts, etc. I have 
been frequently solicited by your Secretary for funds to facilitate the work you 
have in hand. Providing matters result favorably with me as I anticipate I will 
respond as requested. I don't care much for money anyway. Just now I am 
" broke." It may be within one or two weeks I may have thousands which is 
peculiar to a silver mining camp. 

I am an old bach of fifty years, hale and hearty, and propose to live for the next 
Centennial because I failed to go to Philadelphia -to witness the last. I don't 
propose to be " euchered " out of another. I will endeavor to be at Chicago next 
fall at " Grand Review " of the old brigade. General Hatch should be there to 
take command as in the halcyon days of yore. I observe in nearly every paper I 
get hold of in these Alpine regions some of the old soldiers are daily being mus- 
tered out, responding to the long roll, answering the last call from earth to all 
eternity. We hear no more the sharp whizz of the minie-ball nor the buzz of the 
shell, the soldier rests quietly in his last sleep. Those missies of death lie quietly 
in our arsenals, and peace and contentment rule supreme throughout the length 
and breadth our land. Dixie lies placid under the hot rays of a Southern sun, and 
her sultry, tropical, malarial districts are no more disturbed by the fierce conflicts 
of contending armies. Peace one more reigns, and thank God we were victorious. 
Foreign monarchies no more can sneer at " Free America," whose Constitution 
granted human bondage in a land considered free and independent from shackles 
gnawing into the vitals of human beings simply because their skins were dark. 
Fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters placed upon the huge block in the 



42 J: HISTORY OF THE 

market place, sold and pari ed never more to meet, the cruel lash of the slave 
driver with his ribald jests, are forever dumb. The Lagree system is forever 
abolished, and all thanks to our then worthy President, Abe Lincoln, for his 
war measure by issuing the great and glorious Emancipation Proclamation, there- 
by wiping out forever one of the most brutal and inhuman institutions that ever 
cursed the broad, free lands of the American continenl . 

One word in regard to my connection with the Ninth Illinois Cavalry: I had 
served one three year enlistment in the Fourth Wisconsin. My brother at 1!< <-k- 
ford wrote me to come and enlist with him. I concluded to go into the service 
again, met him at Rockford, enlisted, and were duly assigned to the regiment in 
question. I observed many things peculiar to the regiment that I did not like. 
I went into the regiment an old and war-worn soldier. If I had been a novice in 
the modes of warfare I presume shortcomings would not have been so flagrantly 
portrayed, but never mind, my sympathies are with the Ninth yet, and may its 
record compare favorably with any regiment in the field. 

Yours truly, 

E. Devendorf. 

LOSSES DURING THE CIVIL WAR. 

From the 15th of April, 1861, to the 14th of April, 1865 (when the order to 
stop enlistments was issued), the United States government " called for" 2,759,049 
men. There were furnished 2,656,558 — a deficit of only 102,496, most of which 
would have been supplied in one month at the then rate of recruiting. Excluding 
re-enlistments, it is estimated by skillful actuaries that 1 he Federal armies con- 
tained about 1,800,000 men, of whom 1,500,000 at various times were in active 
service. Of these 59,700 (very nearly) were killed in battle and 35,000 mortally 
wounded, while 184,000 died in camp or hospital. It is also estimated that at 
least 20,000 died soon after reaching home of disease contracted in camp — died 
before June 30, 1865 — so the total loss is usually set at 300,000.* 

The most cautious and reliable Southern historians do not put their total loss 
below 225,000. By counting those who lost a leg or an arm or were otherwise 
, totally disabled in a number of average regiments, North and South, we arrive at 
the conclusion that the thoroughly and permanently crippled by disease and 
wounds in both armies were at least 340,000. Adding the deaths in the first year 
after the war, of those injured in service, we find that in four years the sub- 
traction from the virile force of the Nation reached the appalling aggregate of 
1,000,000 able bodied men. 

At the close of the war the government had 204 general hospitals, with a 
capacity of 136,894 beds. In these there had been treated June 30, 1865, 1,057,423 
cases, in which the rate of mortality was a minute fraction less than eight per 
cent. This is the smallest rate in any recent war. In the Mexican War the mortal- 
ity in American hospitals was a fraction over ten per cent, in the Crimean War 
that in the British hospitals was twenty-three per cent., and in the French a frac- 
tion over twenty -four. 

*While this table is approximately ci >i rect, it does not cover the number of the Union 
dead by 59,528. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 



425 



COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF THE NUMBER OF MEN FURNISHED 

AND OF THE DEATHS IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY 

DURING THE LATE WAR. 



STATES, TERRITORIES, ETC. 



Alabama 

Arkansas 

California 

Colorado 

Connecticut 

Dakota 

Delaware 

District of Columbia 

Florida 

Georgia 

Illinois 

Indiana 

Iowa 

Kansas 

Kentucky. 

Louisiana 

Maine 

Maryland 

Massachusetts 

Michigan. 

Minnesota. 

Mississippi 

Missouri 

Nebraska 

Nevada 

New Hampshire 

New Jersey 

New Mexico 

New York 

North Carolina , 

Ohio 

Oregon ■ 

Pennsylvania 

Rhode Island 

Tennessee 

Texas 

Vermont 

Virginia 

Washington 

West Virginia 

Wisconsin 

Indian Nations . . $ 

Colored Troops 

Veteran Reserve Corps 

TJ. S. Veteran Volunteers (Hancock's Corps) 
U. S. Volunteer Engineers and Sharps'ters. 

II. S. Volunteer Infantry 

General and general staff officers, TJ. S. Vols. 
Miscellaneous U.S. Vols, (brigade bands), etc. 
Regular Army 



MEN FURNISHED. 



2,570 

8,289 
15,725 

1.903 

51,987 

2ii6 

11,236 

11,912 

L,290 



ok 



2,163 



255,057 
193,748 

75,797 

18,(69 

51,743 

5,224 

64, 9:3 

33,995 

12a, 781 

85.479 

23,913 

515 

100,616 

3.157 

1,080 

32,930 

67,500 

6,56] 

109,561 

3,156 

304,814 

1,810 

315 017 

19,521 

31,092 

1,965 

32,549 



9 4 
31,872 
91,029 



Grand aggregate. 



94 
1,353 



2,224 

1,078 
5 



314 



5,030 

3,925 

19,983 

498 

3 



151 



882 
8,129 



35,164 
3,274' 



14,307 

1,878 



619 



133 



2,494,592 1 101,207 178,975 ! 3,530 



1,764 



954 
3,269 



1,811 
1,537 

440 
2.080 
23,703 



104 
8,718 
3,966 
1,387 

104 



8,314 



125 
1,185 



4.125 
5,092' 



8,612 
1,837 



120 



196 
165 



99,337 



3,5311 



2,576 

8,289 
1.5,725 

4,903 
55,864 
2 6 
12,284 
16,534 

1,^90 



259,092 

190,363 

76,24a 

20,149 

75,760 

5, 24 

70,107 

46,638 

146,730 

87,364 

24,020 

545 

109,111 

3,157 

1,080 

33,037 

76,814 

6,561 

448,850 

3,156 

313,180 

1,810 

337,936 

23,230 

31,092 

1,965 

33,288 



9 4 

32,068 

91,327 

3,1 530 

*99,337 



18,304 



- 
H 

OP 
< 



345 

1,713 

573 

3 3 

5,354 



290 

215 

15 

34,834 

26,072 

13,0. 1 

2,630 

10,774 

945 

9,398 

2,982 

13,942 

14,753 

2,584 

78 

13,885 

239- 

33 

4,882 

5,754 

277 

46,534 

360 

35,475 

45 

33,183 

1,321 

6,, 77 

141 

5,2.4 

42 

22 

4.017 

12,301 

1,018 

+36,847 

1,672 

106 

552 

243 

239 

232 

5,798 



359,528 



* Number not credited upon the quotas of any State. 

+ Includes losses in all colored organizations, excepting three regiments from Massa- 
husetts. 

EXPLANATORY NOTES. 

With the exception of three Massachusetts regiments (organized and officered ex- 
clusively by the State authorities) whose casualties are included with those of the white 



426 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEEK8. 

troops from that State, all losses in the one hundred and seventy-eight thousand nine 
hundred and seven! v-live colored troops are reported separately, irrespective of any 
eredds allowed upon the quotas of the States. The deaths in the excepted regiments 
aggregated 574. 

I n all other cases the figures in the column of deaths represent only such as occurred 
among the white troop* and Indian*. Information relative to the number of deaths in the 
Navy and Marine Corps belongs to the Navy Department. 

The colored soldiers organized under the direct authority of the General Govern- 
ment, and not credited to any State, were recruited as follows: 

In Alabama, 4,9o9; Arkansas, 5,526; Colorado, 95; Florida, 1.044; Georgia, 3,486; 
Louisiana, 84,052; Mississippi, 17,869; North Carolina, 5,035; South Carolina, 5,462; Ten- 
nessee, 20,13:3; Texas, 47; Virginia, 5,723. 

There were also 5,896 negro soldiers enlisted at large, or whose credits are not 
specifically expressed by the records. 

Of the number of col >red troops credited to the States, 5,052 were obtained, under 
the provisions of section 3, act of Congress, approved July 4, 1864, from the States that 
had seceded. 

The number of officers and men of #he Regular Army, among whom the casualties 
herein noted occurred, is estimated at 67,000; the number in the Veteran Reserve Corps 
was 60,508; and in Hancock's Veteran Corps, 10,833. 

The other organisations of white volunteers, organized directly by the United States 
authorities, numbered about 11,000. 



Adjutant General's Office, i 
Washington, July 15, 1885. f 
Approved, and will be printed as a supplement to the statistical exhibit of deaths 
in the United States Army during- the late war. 

R. C. DRUM, 

Adjutant-General. 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 

Sam. Vansant on Picket — Presentation to Colonel Burgh — 
Two Marriage Incidents — The Recruit on Picket — Gen- 
eral Dqnalson's Mules — Execution at Memphis. 

THE following incident will show the chivalrous conduct of 
one of the soldiers of the Ninth Illinois on the occasion of 
the Smith and Grierson raid to West Point, Miss., in the month 
of February, 18G4 : 

It will be remembered that the soldiers of this command -were in an enemy's 
country, and were not particular about being very polite in their reques-ls or in 
taking whatever they required. At a certain house at or near Marietta lived 
a family by the name of Norvell, and in this family was a young girl, who was 
in terrible fear of the Northern soldiers, and while our army was passing, the 
gallant Corporal, Sam Vansant, called at this house, and discovering the extreme 
terror of the family drew his saber and placed himself on guard till the last 
soldier had passed, and protected this family from all insult and annoyance. 

This kindness of the gallant Vansant won the regard of the family— partic- 
ularly of the young girl, who though twice married, in all these years past has 
borne in grateful remembrance the protection furnished at that time. 

In February, 1888, twenty-four years after the event, she sent to Captain 
Vansant a letter of grateful acknowledgement for the service rendered, and a 
souvenir of kindly feeling and remembrance. 

DEATH OF JAMES FONES. 

While the Ninth were lying at Savannah, Tenn., October 14, 1864, a forag- 
ing party under Lieutenant S. Major some eight miles from camp, was surprised 
by the enemy, and being surrounded, four of the command were captured, and 
some of them wounded; among the latter was James Fones, of Company B, whose 
good nature and genial disposition, as well as his promptness and fidelity to duty 
on all occasions, made him a general favorite. He was loved bj T all who knew 
" big Jim Fones." He was shot through the body by the guerrillas. After he 
was wounded and captured, the rebels made him ride in his wounded condition 
ten miles to an unfrequented place in the woods. This was about dark on the 
evening of the 14th of October. 

His captors left him with a woman who did everything in her power to lesson 
his suffering, which had been much aggravated by the long ride his unfeeling 
captors had obliged him to make. 

427 



428 HISTORY OF THE 

Three of our men captured at the same time were paroled the next morning 
and came back to camp, when Captain Mock took two companies, B and F, with 
Dr. Agnew.and an ambulance, and brought their wounded comrade into camp, 
but his wound was mortal, and although everything that was possible was done 
for him by the Doctor and his comrades he died on the 16th of October, 1864, 
and was buried with military honors at Savannah, Tenn., on the banks of the 
Tennessee River. 

SWORD PRESENTATION TO COLONEL BURGH. 

In the early days of the regiment it was quite the custom of friends, and also 
f the members of the different companies, to make presentations of dress swords, 
etc., to the officers of the regiment, and this was well enough Seemingly as an 
expression of the esteem in which these officers were held by their friends. 
There is, however, another side when one comes to analyze the subject that would 
appear to make all these presentations and the acceptance of the same by the 
volunteer soldiers to be of questionable taste. 

A notable instance of the delicacy of treatment, and the firm stand taken by 
an officer of the Ninth, is here noted. Soon after Company A arrived in camp it 
was proposed by some comrades that the members of the company, to show their 
appreciation of what Captain H. B. Burgh had done for them and the confidence 
and esteem in which he was held, to present him in behalf of the company with a 
dress sword, and for this purpose one hundred dollars had been subscribed by 
the members of Company A.' By some means the Captain learned of this move- 
ment, and not thinking it the proper thing at this time, he called his cr mpany 
together, and stated to them that he had learned of their intention, and thatwhile 
he appreciated the honor intended him, he must discourage their carrying it out, 
and requested the return of the money to the donors, at the same time giving as 
his reasons " That he was as yet untried, and they did not know but that in the 
first actual contact with the enemy he might run away or even at the present 
time grow faint hearted, and thus bring disgrace upon the sword they proposed 
to present." Stating further that it was his judgment that a presentatk n of any 
kind should not be made until a soldier had by his acts shown himself to be 
worthy of the same. 

The members of Company A, in deference to their Captain's wishes, aban- 
doned the presentation at that time, but it seems they did not forget their desire. 
The years of the war passed on, Captain Burgh became Major and Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the regiment, and in every position in which he was placed, showed 
himself to be a gallant and brave officer, and had been much of the time in com- 
mand of th" regiment. His rare tact and brilliant soldierly qualities were appre- 
ciated by all, but by none more than his old Company A, who all these years 
had been watching him, and were proud of him as a soldier and their old Cap- 
tain. 

When the regiment went North on veteran furlough in the spring of 1864, 
they stopped at St. Louis, and Company A determined to carry out their long- 
cherished plan of a presentation to their old Captain. They purchased an elegant 
saber, belt, etc., and after their arrival at Rock Island, on the morning of March 
25th, the company sent for Colonel Burgh to come to the Island City Hotel, where, 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 429 

in au earnest and affectionate address, they presented their elegant testimonial. 
This time Colonel Burgh was at their mercy, and accepted the sword in a grace- 
ful manner, thanking the hoys in affectionate language for their gift, and the 
kindly feeling that prompted them in the offering. 

It may be here noted as a matter of interest, that of the officers of the regi- 
ment that accepted swords and presents before they went into the field, not one 
of them remained in the service but a short period. 

THE RECRUIT ON PICKET. 

An incident or two that occurred during these days is in place 
here: 

On the afternoon of July 11, 1864, Company I was placed on picket south 
of town, and during the time I was there tbey observed the enemy to have a 
picket post about a half a mile distant on the same road guarded by Company I. 
Between the two opposing lines was a large open space of ground, dotted here and 
there with stumps, and a few small trees. During the night two Confederates 
mounted came close up to our lines, and as it happened, almost ran into a new 
recruit. The young soldier had just came down from the North, was, in fact, 
only a boy of perhaps sixteen years of age, and had hardly any idea of the duty of 
a soldier. He had been told to " halt" any person coming toward him from any 
direction, and seeing the Confederates coming toward him, cried "halt;" at once they 
fired at him. This was a phase of the question for which he was wholly unprepared, 
The little fellow was completely demoralized, and started on a run for the near- 
est comrade; distant six or eight rods. Ashe came up to his friend, fairly cry- 
ing, his feelings were so hurt that he said " them darn fools tried to shoot me just 
because I halted 'em." His comrade to whom he ran (Dwight L. Talcott) under- 
stood the formalties usual to such occasions, and extended " the compliments of 
the season " to the Confederate callers from a revolving rifle. His salutation 
seemed to the Confederates satisf actory, and they retired to a place less warm. 

The young recruit tried to learn how to receive such visitors, and later in the 
war won the respect of his comrades for his bravery. 

ROMANTIC MARRIAGE OF CAPTAIN BOOTH. 

At Germantown, Tenn., Captain Louis F. Booth, of the Ninth Illinois Cav 
airy, was married August 6, 1863, under the following romantic and interesting 
circumstances: 

The gallant Captain, who was a very handsome man, had been sick for some 
time during the spring, and boarded at the house of a citizen by the name of 
Molter. Well, there was a daughter, a Mrs. Carroll, a young and handsome 
widow, whose husband had been killed at Corinth the previous summer in the 
rebel army. 

The lady, gay, and fascinating, soon captivated the susceptible Captain, but 
she was already engaged to a young Lieutenant of a Ohio regiment, who had 
boarded at their house at a previous period to the arrival of Captain Booth. Here 
was a dilemma. For a while the Lieutenant was very ardent in his attachment. The 
lady's affections strayed to the later comer. 'Her parents favored the Lieutenant 
and were determined she should marry him at once. 



430 HISTORY OF THE 

But here came in the ingenuity of the parties most deeply interested. It 
was arranged that at 11 o'clock at night, the fair lady was to elope with Captain 
Booth, while the family were at tea. The dutiful daughter, having already packed 
her wardrobe, threw the several articles out of the window, which were deftly 
caught by the anxious lover, and conveyed away. But difficulties beset them on 
every hand — an old negress suddenly came in sight. This was most unfortunate as 
she was a great favorite with her mistress. The young lady entreated the wench 
" not to tell on her," the gallant Captain joining his entreaties to the daughter's 
and quietly slipped a handsome present into the hands of the woman, and finally 
she promised not to divulge what she had seen. 

The hours passed, when who should appear but the other suitor, come to 
spend the evening and court his girl. She put the best face on the matter, enter- 
tained him pleasantly. The hours passed slowly. The time of the elopment arrived, 
but her beau still lingered. Finally, with woman's ingenuity, she began to com- 
plain of a severe headache, and with many expressions of affection the genlle- 
man finally departed to the great joy of Captain Booth, who was stationed out- 
side, impatiently waiting, and a spectator through the window of inside pro- 
ceedings. 

The lady retired to her chamber, hastily donning her outside apparel, care- 
fully groped her way in the darkness to the door, and in a moment was pressed 
in the arms of her impatient and waiting lover. At a short distance fleet slctds 
were awaiting the party, and soon they were swiftly careering " o'er hill and 
dale" to the camp of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

The Rev. R. J. Lockwood, Chaplain of the Forty-ninth Illinois Infantry, 
was summoned. The inmates of " Crinoline Avenue " were awakened from their 
slumber, the circumstances explained, and there, with the trees for a covering 
from the dew, and the still broader canopy of heaven, the twain w T ere made one, 
just at the hour of midnight. 

The parents knew nothing about all this till the next morning, when they 
found their daughter missing. Search was made at the neighbor's, but they found 
her not, finally they heard a rumor that she was in camp, when they came down 
post haste, and were met by Mrs. Gifford of whom they inquired, "If their daugh- 
ter was in camp ? " The reply was, '' She is." " Where is she ? " " With Cap- 
tain Booth.'' " What right has Captain Booth to have her here in camp ? " " A 
very good right; she is his wife," replied Mrs. Gifford. When the old couple 
heard this they whipped up their horse and left camp much displeased, and with- 
out any effort to see their offendingdaughter, whose undutiful conduct theynever 
forgave. 

A FUNNY MARRIAGE INCIDENT. 

While the Ninth Illinois Cavalry was at La Grange, Tenn., in the fall of 
1863, Private Henderson Howard, of Company F, was the high contracting party 
in a very romantic love affair, and marriage in camp. 

Young Howard became smitten with the charms of a young lady, a resident 
of the town, and as the affection was mutual, they determined to lie married. 

They went to the regimental Chaplain to have the knot tied, but it was of no 
avail, the good man would not perform the ceremony unless they obtained a 
license, and as thai could not be got, they felt very blue about it, but at this junc- 
tion Captain Perkins came to the rescue, as "in a case of emergency, he could 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 431 

always be depended on," and says, " Howard, I will perform the ceremony, li- 
cense or no license; get your girl " 

Company F having the Howitzers, Howard decided to be married by the side 
of the gun he belonged to, so while he went after his lady love, the boys turned 
out and got the guns in position, decorated them with evergreens and flowers, and 
on the return of the couple to the company parade grounds, Captain Perkinsper- 
formed the ceremony, while the majority of the company were looking on, and 
it was done in a scientific manner, too, and they were correspondingly happy. 
When the regiment came North in 1864, on furlough, the couple having some doubt 
about the legality of the performance, obtained a license in Northern Illinois and 
were re-married. 

GENERAL DONALDSON'S TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND MULES. 

The following incident taken from the Century magazine of August, 1887, 
relates an incident which shows that ofttimes certain doings that would seem to 
be serious mistakes turn out to be of the greatest benefit, and as it relates to an 
officer, who of those soldiers at Nashville will well remember (General Donaldson), 
I will relate it here: 

This incident occurred livit a short time previous to the battle of Nashville. 
" Prior to the battle of Nashville, Major-General John L. Donaldson, who won 
honors in the Mexican War, and who died in the spring of 1886, was Quarter- 
master under General Thomas. He once told the following incident: Having 
o>3 :isi)u to purchase mules for the army, he ordered a person in whom he had 
confidence to visit the contiguous Northern States, inadvertantly saying to him, 
'buy as many as you can,' not supposing that he would be able to secure more 
than a few thousand at the most. Some weeks afterwards, just before the attack 
on Hood's army, General Donaldson, on meeting his agent, inquired how many 
mules he had been able to secure. To the amazement of the General he was 
informed that twenty thousand or more had been obtained, upon which the 
astonished General exclaimed, "I am a ruined man; I shall be court-martialed 
and driven from the army for not limiting you in the purchase. You have pro- 
cured many times more than I had any idea or intention of purchasing, but the 
fault is mine, not yours, I ought to have been particular in my orders." 

" In an extremely disheartened state he went to his home, believing that such 
a thoughtless act on his part could not be overlooked by the Commanding General. 
He had scarcely reached his house i efore a messenger came from General Thomas 
with an order for General Donaldson to come immediately to headquarters. This 
seemed to be the sealing of his fate, and in a state of trepidation bordering on 
frenzy, he appeared before General Thomas, whom he found in a mood appar- 
ently of great depression. Soon after Donaldson had entered his presence, Gen- 
eral Thomas said, 'Donaldson, how many mules have you V ' With some pertu- 
bation he replied, 'Upwards of twenty-five thousand.' 'Twenty-five thousand 
did you say?' repeated the General, 'Is it possible that you have this number? 
Donaldson, accept my heartfelt thanks; you have saved this army. I can now 
have transportation, and can fight Hood, and will do so at once.' " 

EXECUTION AT MEMPHIS. 
June 10, 1864, the very day that our detachment with Sturgis in the vicin- 

28 



432 NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 

ity of Guntown, Miss., were having their hard and disastrous engagement, there 
was enacted at Memphis, Tenn. , an awfully impressive and solemn scene in the 
execution of three men of the Second New Jersey Cavalry, their crime being that 
of rape and robbery. 

They were tried by court martial and sentenced to death. The scene was 
impressive and tragic in the extreme, and they were shot in front of Fort Picker- 
ing, in the presence often thousand soldiers and many citizens. The troops were 
drawn up in a hollow square, facing the fort, the condemned men were brought in 
and inarched around the inside of this square, accompanied by the clergy, their 
coffias in front of each, until they, having completed the circuit, were halted and 
seated, each upon his own coffin, and then blindfolded, while a squad of six men 
was stationed opposite each, with all their guns loaded but one to each six, when 
the signal of the officer in charge (the drop of a handkerchief) they fired simulta- 
neously, and the poor wretches were hurled into eternity. 

L remember that it seemed to me that the thud of the balls as they struck 
hurled them over backward, but it might have been only a natural falling. 

The whole command was marched past them, as they lay mangled and bleed- 
ing, a terrible warning to wrong-doers. 

Headquarters Fifth Division Cavalry, ) 
Cavalry Corps, Military Division of the Mississippi, [- 
Columbia, Tenn., November 26, 1864. ) 
Colonel : I respectfully recommend the following promotions in the Ninth 
Illinois Cavalry, to fill vacancies: 

Joseph W. Harper, Captain Company I, to be Lieutenant-Colonel, vice Burgh, 
for gallantry in late engagements with Hood's advance. 

Anthony R. Mock, Captain of Company B, to be Major vice Gifford, for gal- 
lantry in the field. 

Very truly, your obedient servant, 

[Signed] Edward Hatch, 

Brigadier- General Commanding. 
Allen C. Fuller, Adjutant-General of Illinois, Springfield, 111. 

LETTER FROM GENERAL D. E. COON. 

San Diego, Cal., July 20, 1888. 
E. A. Davenport, Chicago, 111. 

Dear Comrade:— Yours of the 14th inst. at hand. I am happy to learn that 
your book is completed. Hope it will give satisfaction and prove a financial 
success. It would have afforded me great pleasure to have contributed some- 
thing of interest, and thereby aided you, but the fear of having omitted to men- 
tion some of the officers, when they may have done gallant service, deterred me, 
and caused me to postpone from day to day, unt 1 it was too late. 

I love all the officers and men of the old, gallant Ninth Illinois Cavalry 
Volunteers with all my heart. They are veteran brotJwrs of the late war — 
next in my heart to my own brother, born of my own dear mother, and I shall 
ever cherish the memory of their glorious companionship in the Rebellion of 
1861-65 while life lasts. Success in all things, is my heart's best wish. 

Truly yours, 

Datus E. Coon. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

ROLL OF HONOR. 

THE following roll of honor contains the names of many 
of the fallen heroes of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry, who lost 
their lives in the service of their country. The author deeply 
regrets his inability to have made the list complete. 

Private Abr, William, Company B, died at Gainesville, Ala, September 21, 

1865. 

Private Alberts, Reinhart, Company F, died at Helena, Ark., September 25, 

1862. 

Private Atkins, Clinton, Company G, died June 13, 1862. 

Corporal Albright, Delos, Company I, died on hospital boat, near St. Louis, 
October 1, 1862. 

Private Atkinson, Eli, Company I, died at Helena, Ark., August 17, 1862. 

Private Agarty, Jeremiah, Company K, died atEastport, Miss., May 16, 1865. 

Private Albert, Mather, Company M, killed at Jacksonport, Ark., July 27, 

1862. 

Private Alexander, Henry, Company M, died at Onarga, 111., March 8, 1862. 

Surgeon Brackett, Charles, died at Helena, Ark , February 20, 1863. 

Private Buncher, Lewis, Company A, died June 2, 1862. 

Private Brigham, William, Company A, died September 5, 1864, at Mem 
phis, Tenn., from wounds received August 13th. 

Private Bradwell, Oliver, Company B, died at Camp Douglas, 111., January 

15, 1862. 

Private Bartlet, David C, Company B, died at Helena, Ark., October 29, 

1862. 

Private Burmuster, Charles, Company B, died at St. Louis, Mo., November 

9, 1862. 

Private Berry. Jordan, Company E, died at Memphis, Tenn., March 14, 1864. 

Private Baxter, Alpheus, Company E, died at Dennis, Mass., June 12, 1864. 

Private Bear, Martin, Company E, missing in action at Savannah, Tenn., 
October 17, 1864. 

Private Berry, James S., Company F, died at St. Louis, Mo., November 3, 

1862. 

Private Buler, John, Company F, died at St. Louis, Mo., November 3, 1862. 

Private Baker, Jacob, Company F, died at Helena, Ark., September 25, 1862. 

Private Bowden, William, Company F, died at Andersonville prison, Au- 
gust 13, 1864; grave 5475. 

Private Behers, John, Company F, died at Selma, Ala., October 25, 1865. 

433 



434 HISTORY OF THE 

Private Brooks, James J., Company G, died at Memphis, Tenn., April 25, 
1864. 

Corporal Babcoek, Merlin, Company G, died at Memphis, Tenn., October 5, 
1864. 

Private Bellows, Albert, Company H, killed at Tupelo, Miss., July 15, 1864. 

Private Butcher, Isaac, Company I, died at Cairo, 111., March 24, 1865. 

Private Brown, Caleb N., Company I, died at Louisville, Ky., March 19, 
1865. 

Private Branch, Edwin H., Company I, killed at Pontotoc, Miss., July 12, 
1864. 

Bugler Buss, John, Company K, died at Nashville, Tenn., January 1, 1865. 

Private Bennett, Isaac, Company K, died at Patterson, Mo., May 11, 1862. 

Private Barton, Charles, Company L, died at Pocahontas, Ark., May 13, 1862. 

Private Burns, Barney, Company M, died at Memphis. Tenn., February 12, 
1864. 

Private Connors, Edward, Company A, died at St. Louis, Mo., April 1, 1864. 

Private Cooper, Enoch, Company A, died at Keokuk, Iowa, October 16, 
1862. 

Private Crommett, David, Company C, died at Andersonville, October 1, 
1864. 

Private Conskay, William, Company D, died at Helena, Ark., October 1, 
1862. 

Private Cole, Charles H., Company E, died at Reeves Station, Mo., April 14, 
1862. 

First Sergeant Cole, Marcellus, Company F, killed at Campbell ville, Tenn^, 
November 24, 1864. 

Corporal Cerey, Patrick, Company F, died at Keokuk, Iowa, November 17, 
1863. 

Private Cunningham, Cornelius, Company G, died August 25, 1862. 

Private Carl, Sampson, Company G, died at Helena, Ark., 1862. 

Private Cherry, William, R., Company H, died December 31, 1861. 

Private Cornelius, James, Company H, died at Andersonville, August 24, 
1864; grave 6738. 

Private Cooley, John F., Company I, died at Keokuk, Iowa, October 29, 
1862. 

Private Curtis, George, Company I, died at Louisville, Ky., January 10, 
1865. 

Private Connerly, Peter, Company K, died at Chicago, 111., December 7, 
1861. 

Corporal Cameron, Edwards, Company K, died at Memphis, Tenn., March 
24, 1864. 

Private Cleggett, Phillip, Company L, died on hospital boat, October 5, 1862. 

Private Cooper, George, Company M, killed at Oxford, Miss., August 13, 
1864. 

Private Chenneworth, Riley, Company M, died at Reeve's Station, Mo., 
March 23, 1862. 

Private Downing, Simon B., Company C, died August 30, 1864, of wounds. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALKY VOLUNTEERS. 435 

Private Dillon, Patrick, Company E, died at Germantown, Tenn., March 10, 
1864. 

Private Danilson, Charles, Company E, died at Memphis, Tenn., March 18, 
1864. 

Private Dack, Charles H., Company H, died in Andersonville, September 
18, 1864; grave 8187. 

Private Duklin, Peter, Company I, died about December, 1864. 

Private Dawson, Robert A., Company L, killed at Tupelo, Miss., July 15, 
1864. 

Bugler Dcnney, James H., Company L, died at Hopewell, Mo., February 28, 
1862, of wounds received on railroad. 

Sergeant Dillon, Newton, Company M, died at Columbia, Tenn., November 
24, 1864, of wounds. 

Private Daniels, William, Company M, died at St. Louis, Mo., March 1, 
1864. 

Sergeant Major Ellis, John C, died August 18, 1865. 

Private Elliot, Simon, Company B, died at New Albany, Ind., January 6, 
1865. 

Private Englehaupt, David R. P., Company B, died at Eastport, Miss., June 
12, 1865. 

Sergeant Ewing, David A., Company E, died at Germantown, Tenn., May 
12, 1863; suicide. 

Private Fones, James, Company B, killed at Savanah, Tenn., October 14, 
1864. 

Private Faunce, Thomas, Company B, died at Cahaba prison, Ala., June 13, 
1865. 

Private Fries, Daniel, Company B, died at Iuka, Miss., July 15, 1865. 

Private Fairchild, Squire, Company G, died at Helena, Ark., 1862. 

Private Fiddler, Conroy, Company G, died at Eastport, Miss., May 22, 1865, 
of wounds. 

Private Fogerty, Cornelius, Company I, died at Keokuk, Iowa, November 

17, 1862. 

Private Frisby, Alonzo. Company M, died at Andersonville, February 8, 
1864. 

Corporal Foster, Erastus S., Company K, died at Andersonville, June 17, 
1865; grave 12473. 

Private Fannen, Henry, Company M, died at Gainesville, Ala., October 24, 
1865. 

Sergeant Follett, John, Company M, died at Reeve's Station, Mo., March 30, 
1862. 

Private Goodall, John, Company D, died at Helena, Ark., July 19, 1862. 

Private Gray, William, Company I, died at Eastport, Miss., February 10, 
1865. T 

Corporal Griswold, Francis, Company K, died at Memphis, Tenn., July 21, 
1862. 

Private Howard, Alonzo, Company A, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 

18, 1864. 



436 HISTORY OF THE 

Private Horan, Kerr an, Company B, died at Demopolis, Ala., December 16, 
1865. 

Private Hover, Francis, Company B, dkdat Camp Douglas, 111., December 
16, 1861. 

Private Howard, Patrick, Company E., died at Cahaba prison, Ala., March 
28, 1864. 

Private Hayes, Michael, Company E, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 6, 
1864. 

Private Hicks, Hiram, Company F, died at St. Louis, Mo., October 20, 
1862. 

Private Hamilton, John, Company F, died at Helena, Ark., November 26 
1862. 

Farrier Hamilton, Jacob, Company F, died at Memphis, Tenn., June 14, 
1864. 

Private Houghtaling, John A., Company F, died at Montgomery, Ala., Au- 
gust 14, 1865. 

First Sergeant Henderson, Robert H., Company G, killed at Campbellville, 
Tenn., November 24, 1864. 

Private Hill, J., Company F, died at Andersonville, August 11, 1864; 
grave 4489. 

Private Haggart, Ansel, Company 6, died at St. Louis, Mo., October 5, 1862. 

Private Hendee, George W., Company G, died of wounds about April 23, 
1863. 

Private House, Samuel, Company I, died at Eastport, Miss., May 29, 1865. 

Private Hessej, Horatio B., Company I, killed at Campbellville. Tenn., 
November 24, 1864. 

Private Hanrahan, Patrick, Company L, died at Montgomery, Ala., August 
27, 1865. 

Private Hoover, Julius, Company M, died at Iuka, Miss., July 14, 1865. 

Private Ireland, Henry, Company B, killed at Salem, Miss., October 8, 1863. 

Private Ingleking, Conrad, Company D, died April 19, 1862. 

Private Jacobs, John G., Company B. died at Helena, Ark., August 4, 1862. 

Private Jacobs, Oliver, Company B, died at Helena, Ark., August 23, 1862. 

Private Jenkins, E. J., Company C, killed at Cotlon Plant, Ark., May 17, 
1862. 

Private Johnson, Lucian, Company C, died at Helena, Ark., August 29, 1862. 

Corporal Jergens, Christian, Company F, killed in Mississippi, February 
25, 1864. 

Private Jones, Homer, Company G, died at Reeve's Station, Mo. , April 22, 
1862. 

Private Jackson, Mathew, Company H, died at Helena, Ark., September 23, 
1862. 

Private Kreizaz, Jacob, Company B, died at Gainesville, Ala., August 26, 
1865. 

King, James, Company D, died at Memphis, Tenn. 

Private Katze, Henry, Company D, died at Memphis, Tenn., October 20, 1864. 

Private Killian, Francis, Company F, died at Demopolis, Ala., October 27, 
1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 437 

Private Knaggs, William, Company H, died at Pilot Knob, Mo., April 3, 
1862. 

Private Koethe, William, Company L, died at Mound City, Mo., May 17, 
1865. 

Private Lenney, William, Company C, died at St. Louis, Mo., December 17, 
1862. 

Sergeant Laramore, William, Company E, died at Andersonville, August 16. 
1864 ; grave 5906. 

Private Louks, David, Company G, died at Helena, Ark., September 29, 
1862. 

Private Lewis, Henry, Company H, died at Charleston, S. C, in prison. 

Commissary Sergeant Ludden, Chancey F, Company I, died December 22, 
1864, of wounds. 

Sergeant Lane, Alonzo P., Company L, killed at Franklin, Tenn., Novem- 
ber 30, 1864. 

Private Latson, William F., Company L, died at Camp Douglas, 111., Feb- 
ruary 24, 1862. 

Private Montague, Cyrus, Company A, died at Iuka, Miss., June 15, 1865. 

Private Morrow, Alexander, Company B, died at St. Louis, Mo., 1862. 

Private Morrow, Walter, Company B, died at Keokuk, Iowa, October 23, 
1862. 

Private Metsel, John, Company B, died at Memphis, Tenn., October 22, 
1864. 

Sergeant Morris, Thomas, Company B, died at Camp Douglas, 111., January 
2, 1862. 

Private Murry, Patrick, Company B, died at Iuka, Miss., June 7, 1865. 

Private Middaugh, Orlaudo, Company C, died at Keokuk, Iowa, October 
13, 1862. 

First Sergeant Mapes, Alex. H., Company C, died at Memphis, Tenn., Sep- 
tember 3, 1864, of wounds. 

Sergeant Matsel, Thomas, Company C, killed at Campbellsville, Tenn., No- 
vember 24, 1864. 

Corporal Maker, Dennis, Company D, drowned at Cairo, 111., March 22, 
1864. 

Private Mackey, Benjamin, Company D, died February 16, 1863. 

Private Myers, Peter, Company D, died at Eastport, Miss., June 12, 1865. 

First Lieutenant McMahon, John H., Company D, killed at Tupelo, Miss., 
July 16, 1864. 

Private McBride, James, Company D, died at Helena, Ark., October 13, 
1862. 

Lieutenant Morrison, Thomas E., Company E, died at Helena, Ark., August 
22, 1862. 

Private Myre, Joseph E., Company E, died at Helena, Ark., August 16, 1862. 

Private Marshall, Michael, Company F, died near Clarendon, Ark., July 12, 
1862. 

Corporal Meyer, Herman H., Company F, died at Helena, Ark., October 1, 
1862. 



438 



HISTORY OF THE 



1862. 



Private Mandville, Henry, Company H, died at Helena, Ark., August 1, 



Private Maxwell, William R., Company F., died at Paducah, Ky., March 9, 



1865. 

Private Mordoff, Frank M., Company I, died at Cairo, 111., October 20, 
1862. 

Private Marver, Alexander, Company I, died at Nashville, Tenn., January 
29, I860. 

Private Miner, George, Company I, died at Jeffersonville, Ind., April 5, 
1865. 

Private Maloy, Stephen, Company I, killed at Campbellville, Tenn. Novem- 
ber 24, 1864. 

Private Monroe, David B., Company I, died at St. Louis, Mo., April 25, 
1865. 

Private Morse, Newel, Company I, died at St. Louis, Mo., October 26, 1865. 

Private McDade, Alfred, Company I, died about July 1, 1864, in a rebel 
prison at Okolona, Miss. 

Private Morey Moses D. ( Company L, died at Helena, Ark., April 23, 1863. 

Private Mooney, Robert L., Company L, died at Monte vailo, Ala., Septem- 
ber 19, le65. 

Private Mendal, Lucien, Company M, died at St. Louis, Mo., October 13, 
1864. 

Private Netzel, John T., Company D, died at Memphis, Tenn., October 2(f 
1864. 

Private Newberry, Leonidus, Company E, died at Eastport, Miss., April 19, 
1865. 

Captain Neimeyer, Fred. C, Company F, died at Tuscaloosa, Ala., Septem- 
ber 21, 1865. 

Private Ott, David, Company F, died at St. Louis, Mo., November 26, 1862, 

Private Olmsted, Alonzo, Company B, died at Iuka, Miss., June 7, 1865. 

Private O'Mira, Daniel, Company E, died at Andersonville, October 13, 1864; 
grave 10279. 

Private Ott, Daniel, Company F, killed at Campbellville, Tenn., November 
24, 1864. 

Private Olmsted, William B., Company K, died at St. Louis, Mo., Novem- 
ber 3, 1862. 

Sergeant Pugh, William, Company A, died at Nashville. Tenn., November 
13, 1864 

Private Perry, James, Company G, died at Andersonville, September 20, 1864; 
grave 9,313. 

Private Proud, Asher, Company G, died at Helena, Ark., November 2, 1862. 

Quartermaster Price, Samuel H., died April 8, 1863. 

Private Pringle, Philander, Company G, killed at Village Creek, Ark., May 
21, 1862. 

Private Pierson, Swanson, Company H, died at Cahaba prison, April 15, 
1865. 

Sergeant Peter, Robert, Company I, killed at Campbellville, Tenn., Novem- 
ber, 24, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 439 

Sergeant Paddock, Charles B., Company K, captured at Guntown, Miss., 
June 10, 1864, died in the hands of the enemy. 

Private Putnam, David, Company M, died at Memphis, Tenn., April 10, 1864. 

Sergeant Pfeifer, Peter, Company F, died at Helena, Ark., July 10, 1862. 

Lieutenant-Colonel Paddock, Sol. A., died February 18, 1862. 

Private Quinn, Thomas, Company E, died at Logansport, Ind., October 11, 
1864. 

Private Robb, Andrew, Company A, died at Paducah, Ky.,May 1, 1865. 

Private Renshaw, Felix, Company B, died at Helena, Ark., September 15, 
1862. 

Private Roth, Joseph, Company F, killed at Hurricane Creek, Miss., August 
13, 1864. 

Private Race, James, Company E, died March 28, 1865. 

Private Rieneke, Clemens, Company F, died at Patterson, Mo., May 17, 1862. 

Private Robinson, Frederick, Company I, died at Helena, Ark., September 

24, 1862. 

Private Raymond, Andrew, Company I, died at Belvidere, 111., April 24, 
1864. 

Private Rogers, Isaac, Company L, died at Augusta, Ark., August 6, 1862. 

Private Riley, Anthony E., Company L, killed at Guntown, Miss., June 
10, 1864. 

Sergeant Robinson, Nelson, Company M, drowned in Black River, Ark., 
June 22^ 1862. 

Private Robinson, John, Company M. killed near Fish Creek, Miss., July 11, 
1864. 

Private Smith, Noah, Company A, died at White's Station, Tenn., Septem- 
ber 30, 1864. 

Private Scoville, Franklin W., Company C, died at Pilot Knob, Mo., March 
13, 1862. 

Saddler Stroms, Lewis G., Company C, died at Reeve's Station, Mo., March 

25, 1862. 

Private Scott, Geo. W , Company C, died at Helena, Ark., November 8, 
1862. 

Private Shaeffer, Christoff, Company D, killed August 21, 1864. 

Private Smith, John W., Company D, died at Helena, Ark., October 11, 
1862. 

Corporal Smith, Geo., Company F., died at Cairo, 111., October 1, 1862. 

Saddler Smith, Henry, Company F, died at Eastport, Miss., February 28. 
1865. 

Private Salter, John, Company F., died at Camp Douglas, 111., October 1, 
1862. 

Private Schlothauer, Christopher, Company F, died at Germantown, Tenn., 
July 6, 1863. 

Private Sand, Phillip, Company F, died at Eastport, Miss., June 20, 1865. 

Private Slick, Phillip, died at Andersonville, October 11, 1864; grave 
10663. 

Private Smith, Byron, Company G, died at Pontotoc, Miss., July 18, 1864, 
from wounds. 



440 HISTORY OF THE 

Sergeant Smith, Asa, Company II, killed at Tupelo, Miss., July 15, 1864. 

Private Stephens, Franklin, Company II, died at Gallatin, Tenn., February 
9, 1864. 

Private Strong, Thomas, Company I, died at Gravelly Springs, Miss,, Febru- 
ary 5, 1865. 

Private Shafer, Frank, Company I, died at Memphis, Tenn., August 1, 1864. 

Private Storm, Sylvester, Company I, died at Reeve's Station, Mo., April 12, 
1862. 

Private Stehbins, William, Company I, died at Memphis, Tenn. 

Private Strang, "Whitney, Company K, died at Patterson, Mo., April 9, 1862. 

Private Stephens, George, Company K, died at Mound City, Mo., May 7, 
1865. 

Private Sellers, Wiley M., Company K, died at Eastport, Miss, April 5, 
1865. 

Private Sutee, Benjamin, Company L, died at Andersonville, November 4, 
1864; grave 11308. 

Private Sellers, Andrew J., Company M, drowned in Black River, Ark., 
June 1, 1862. 

Private Sutton, Martin, Company M, died at Andersonville, August 13, 1864; 
grave 5515. 

Private Selvey, William, Company M, died at Little Black, Mo., May 2, 1862. 

Private Skeels, William N., Company M., died at Nashville, Tenn., Decem- 
ber 24, 1864. 

Private Thompson, William B., Company B, killed at Nashville, Tenn,, 
December 16, 1864. 

Private Taylor, Harmon, Company E, died at Andersonville, September 28, 
1864; grave 10036. 

Sergeant Thomas, Chancey, Company F, died at Helena, Ark., September 
26, 1862. 

Private Tapley, John, Company F, died at Tuscaloosa, Ala., September 7, 
1865. 

Private Teeters, Benjamin, died at Helena, Ark., December 20, 1862. 

Corporal Thomkins, Andrew, Company G, died at Eastport, Miss., May 10, 
1865. 

Private Turner, Orson A, Company I, died at Nashville, Tenn., December, 
25, 1864. 

Sergeant Teas, William J., Company I, killed at Campbellville, Tenn., No- 
vember 24, 1864. 

Sergeant Tolbert, George W., Company M, died at Reeve's Station, Mo., 
March 30, 1862. 

Sergeant Thayer, Lester, Company M, died at Memphis, Tenn., October 1, 
1862. 

Private Vetter, Robert, Company C, died March 12, 1865. 

Private Van Valkenburg, W., Company G, died at Jacksonport, Ark., July 

7, 1862. 

Private Vite, Barnett, Company I, died at Helena, Ark., September 12, 1862. 
Private Van Wess, George J.. Company M, died at Keokuk, Iowa, October 

8, 1862. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 441 

Private Wilson, Robert, Company A, killed at Guntown, Miss., June 10, 
1864. 

Private Wood, James W., Company A, died at Huntsville, Ala., July, 1865. 

Private Wilbanks, Randolph, Company B, died at Helena, Ark., September 
19, 1862. 

Corporal Wiesner, John W., Company D, died at Germantown, Tenn., June 
4, 1863. 

Private Whipp, Charles, Company E, died in Andersonville, September 4, 
1864; grave 8713. 

Private Williams, Alfred, Company E, died at Germantown, Tenn., Sep- 
tember 4, 1864. 

Private Wollensack, Charles E., Company F, died at Helena, Ark., July 15, 
1862. 

Private Wehargen, Joseph, Company F, died October 21, 1863, of wounds 
received at Salem, October 8. 

Private Weakman, Fred.,. Company F, died at Jefferson Barracks, Mo., 
June 8, 1865. 

Private Wheeler, W. F., died at Montgomery, Ala., August 21, 1865. 

Lieutenant Westbrook, Abner, Company I, died at Memphis, Tenn., Octo- 
ber 22, 1864. 

Private Walsh, John, Company I, jdied at Helena, Ark., September 21, 
1862. 

Corporal Waldo, JudsonM., Company K, died at Andersonville. October 
12, 1864; grave 10756. 

Private West, Joseph C, Companv K, died at St, Louis, Mo., November 15, 
1862. 

Private Watkins, William M., Company L, died at Cairo, 111., October 21, 
1862. 

Private Wilson, AsaW., Company M, died near Jacksonport, Ark., June 
26, 1862. 

Private York, Moses, Company C, died at Helena, Ark., September 4, 
1862. 

Private Zerbe, Peter, Company E, died in Jackson county, Ark., June 29, 
1862, of wounds. 

Private Zerrick, Clement, Company F, died at Patterson, Mo., May 17, 
1862. 

UNASSIGNED RECRUITS. 

Private Lyon, John, died at Camp Butler, 111., April 11, 1864. 
Private Mawer, John R., died at Camp Butler, April 27, 1864. 
Private Thompson, James W., died at Camp Butler, 111., December 21, 
1864. 



442 HISTORY OF THE 

THE BIVOUAC OF THE DEAD. 

The following beautiful verses were written by Colonel Theo- 
dore O'Hara, of the Second United States Cavalry, who deserted 
his flag and entered the Confederate service at the opening of the 
war of the Rebellion : 

The muffled drum's sad roll has beat 

The soldier's last tattoo; 
No more on life's parade shall meet 

That brave and fallen few. 
On fame's eternal camping ground 

Their silent tents are spread, 
And glory guards, with solemn round, 

The bivouac of the dead. 

No rumor of the foe's advance 

Now swells upon the wind ; 
No troubled thought at midnight haunts 

Of loved ones left behind ; 
No vision of the morrow's strife 

The warrior's dream alarms ; 
No braying horn or screaming fife 

At dawn shall call to arms. 

Their shivered swords are red with rust, 

Their plumed heads are bowed, 
Their haughty banner, trailed in dust, 

Is now their martial shroud ; 
And plenteous funeral tears have washed 

The red stains from each brow, 
And the proud forms, by battle gashed, 

Are free from anguish now. 

The neighing troop, the flashing blade, 

The bugle's stirring blast, 
The charge, the dreadful cannonade. 

The din and shout are past. 
Not war's wild note nor glory's peal 

Shall thrill with fierce delight 
Those breasts that nevermore may feel 

The rapture of the fight. 

Like the fierce Northern hurricane 

That sweeps his great plateau, 
Flushed with the the triumph yet to gain, 

Come down the serried foe. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 443 

Who heard the thunder of the fray 

Break o'er the field beneath, 
Knew well the watchword of that day 

Was "Victory, or death." 

Full many a mother's breath has swept 

O'er Angostura's plain, 
And long the pitying sky has wept 

Above its moldered slain. 
The raven's scream, or eagle's flight, 

Or shepherd's pensive lay. 
Alone now wakes each solemn height 

That frowned o'er that dread fray, 

Sons of the Dark and Bloody Ground, 

Ye must not slumber there, 
Where stranger steps and tongues resound 

Along the heedless air. 
Your own proud land's heroic soil 

Shall be your fitter grave. 
She claims from war its richest spoil — 

The ashes of her brave. 

Thus, 'neath their parent turf the}' rest, 

Far from the gory field, 
Borne to a Spartan mother's breast 

On many a bloody shield. 
The sunshine from their native sky 

Smiles sadly on them here, 
And kindred eyes and hearts watch by 

The heroes' sepulcher. 

Best on, embalmed and sainted dead, 

Dear as the blood ye gave; 
No impious footstep here shall tread 

The herbage of your grave. 
Nor shall your glory be forgot 

While Fame her record keeps, 
Or Honor points the hallowed spot 

Where Valor proudly sleeps. 

Yon marble minstrel's voiceless stone, 

In deathless song shall tell, 
When many a vanished year hath flown, 

The story how ye fell. 
Nor wreck, nor change, nor winter's blight, 

Nor time's remorseless doom 
Can dim one ray of holy light 

That gilds your glorious tomb. 



CHAPTEK XXX. 

THE WOUNDED AND PRISONER. 

A PARTIAL LIST OF THE WOUNDED AND THOSE WHO WERE 
PRISONERS OF WAR OF THE NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY. 

THERE were many members of the regiment who were 
wounded or prisoners, whose names do not appear in the 
following list, but it includes all that I have been able to gather: 

Corporal Axtel, Alfred, Company A, prisoner at Florence, Ala., November 
19, 1864. 

Private Arnold, John, Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out July 8, 
1865. 

Lieutenant Abbott, Othman A., Company I, wounded at Pontotoc, Miss., 
July 12, 1864. 

•Private Albright, Delos, Company I, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Anderson, Thomas, Company D, wounded November 24, 1864. 

Colonel Brackett, Albert G., wounded June 27, 1862. 

Captain Blackburn, William C, Company A, wounded June 27, 1862, pris- 
oner November 24, 1864. 

Private Bell, Hugh M., Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out July 8, 
1865. 

Sergeant Bailey, Eli S., Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out June 7, 
1865. 

Corporal Bean, Isaac, Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out October 
31, 1865. 

Saddler Bryson, William P., Company C, wounded at Hurricane Creek, 
August 13, 1864. 

Sergeant Bower, William W., Company D, prisoner December 25, 1864. 

Private Ball, E. G., Company E, prisoner of war; mustered out May 30, 
1865. 

Sergeant Bailey, Stewart J., Company G, wounded February 22, 1864, at 
Okalona, Miss. 

Private Ballard, Elijah, Company L, prisoner January 12, 1865. 

Private Blakesley, W. C, Company M, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Barrick, George H., Company M, prisoner of war; mustered out 
June 9, 1865. 

Corporal Birdsley, Frederick, Company M, prisoner of war; mustered out 
February 28, 1865. 

444 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 445 

Private Clinch, Thomas, Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out July 8, 
1865. 

Corporal Clark, Henry, Company H, prisoner of war; mustered out February 
24. 1865, 

Private Chamberlain, Joseph, Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 
Sergeant Curtis, Michael, Company I, wounded December 16, 1864. 
Private Clark, John, Company L, wounded December 15, 1864. 
Captain Carpenter, John H., Company L, wounded November C4, 1864. 
Private Clayton, William H., Company L., wounded December 19, 1864. 
Private Craig, John, Company M, wounded June 27, 1862. 
Company A. — Sergeant Dietz, John, prisoner December 5, 1864. 
Private Dunn, Charles W., Company E, prisoner of war; mustered out June 
23, 1865. 

Private Doyle, Frank M., Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 
Lieutenant Dillon, William C, Company M, prisoner of war; mustered out 
July 8, 1865. 

Private Elliott, Simon, Company B, wounded December 15, 1864. 
Private Eaton, Thomas W., Company E, prisoner June, 1864. 
Sergeant-Major Fitzpatrick, P. V., wounded at Moscow, Tenn., in the head 
severely December 4, 1863. 

Private Feeley, James, Company B, wounded July 12, 1864. 
Private Fuller, F. F., Company F, wounded June 12, 1862. 
Private Fiegel. Frederick, Company M, prisoner of war at Guntown, Miss., 
June 10, 1864; mustered out February 6, 1865. 

Private Fraser, George W., Company G, prisoner of war; mustered out July 
5, 1865. 

Private Foster, Thomas A., Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 
Private Foster, Erastus, Company K, wounded June 27, 1862. 
Private Farnsworth, William, Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 
Private Farle, Michael, Company I, wounded November 24, 1864. 
Private Gillan, Michael, Company E, wounded November 24, 1864; trans- 
ferred to reserve corps. 

Private Gillispie, Owen, Company E, wounded December 16, 1864; mustered 
out November 2, 1865. 

Private Guiles, Nelson, Company M, prisoner of war; mustered out July 8, 
1865. 

Colonel Harper, Joseph W., wounded December 15, 1864, at Nashville. 
Private Halbeg, Thomas S., Company A, prisoner of war November 19, 
1864. 

Sergeant Hardesty, Henry, Company B, wounded June 27, 1862, and June 
12, 1864. 

Lieutenant Harding, Frederick W., Company C, wounded June 27, 1862. 
Private Harris, William, Company C, prisoner of war; mustered out July 
3, 1865. 

Private Hinton, Francis A., Company E, wounded June 27, 1862. 
Sergeant Hall, Thomas C, Company G, wounded February 21, 1864. 
Private Holland, Robert, Company H, prisoner at Guntown, Miss., June 10, 
1864; released from rebel prison by General Sherman in 1865. 



446 history of the 

Private Hawes, Jesse. Company I. wounded June 27, 1862; prisoner of war at 
Cauaba, Ala.; paroled July 27, 1865. 

Private llerrick, Oscar, Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Corporal llerrick, Francis M., Company K, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Hay den, John S., Company K, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Lieutenant Harkness, Edwin, Company L, prisoner, January 12, 1865; es- 
caped the 13th. 

Private Hunt, Patrick, Company L, wounded at Hurricane Creek, August 
13, 1864. 

Private Harr, William, Company L, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Corporal Kimball, Charles, Company A, prisoner November 19, 1864. 

Sergeant Hayes, Frank C, Company I, prisoner of war November 24, 1864. 

Private Kell, Joseph, Company A, wounded December 26, 1863, at Lafayette, 
Tenn. 

Lieutenant Kilmer, J. C, Company B, wounded October 6, 1863. 

Private Kesler, W. H. H., Company B, prisoner of war, mustered out July 
8, 1865. 

Lieutenant Kinzie, Arthur M., Company C, prisoner August 21, 1864, at 
Memphis, Tenn. 

Sergeant Keich, Charles H., Company G, wounded July 12, 1864. 

Private Kelly, James, Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Private Kimbler, Caleb, Company K, prisoner of war, mustered out June 26, 
1865. 

Private Kavanaugh, John, Company L, wounded at Helena, Ark., January 
1863. 

Captain Knight, E. R., Company M, wounded severely, June 27, 1862. 

Sergeant Major Knight Curtis L., prisoner August 21, 1864. 

Private Lad ey, Company A, wounded. 

Private Listerman, Henry, Company A, wounded at Hurricane Creek, Miss., 
April 16, 1864. 

Sergeant La Salle, Godfrey, Company B, wounded severely at Hurricane 
Creek, Miss., August 13, 1864. 

Private Larimore, William, Company E, prisoner of war. 

Private Luce, William, Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Private Lyons, William, Company L, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Luddington F. , Company M, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Lewis, William, Company M, prisoner of war June 10, 1864; mustered 
out April 24, 1865. 

Sergeant Lander. Fred., Company M, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Sergeant Lamper, Frank, Company K, wounded in 1862. 

Sergeant Lowe, John B., Company M, prisoner November 19, 1864; mustered 
out June, 1865. 

Private Lewis, Thomas, Company M, prisoner June 11, 1864, mustered out 
April 24, 1865. 

Private Mills Francis H., Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out July, 
1865. 

Private Moore, John, Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out July, 1865. 



NINTH ILLINOIS CAVALRY VOLUNTEERS. 447 

Private McAllegott, William, Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out 
July 19, 1865. 

Private Miller, Richard, Company B, prisoner of war November 19, 1864; 
mustered out June 6, 1865. 

Sergeant McCarty, Frank, Company B, wounded at Moscow, Tenn., Decem- 
ber 4, 1863. 

Captain Mc Arthur, F. H., Company C, wounded July 16, 1864. 

Private Nance, Ablinus, Company H, wounded December 15, 1864. 

Private Nugent, Charles, Company L, wounded June 27? 1862. 

Private Norvall, George W., Company M, prisoner of war; mustered oiit 
July 13, 1865. 

Private Omara, Daniel, Company E, prisoner of war. 

Sergeant Olmsted, George W., Company L, wounded August 14, 1864 losing 
two fingers. 

Private Pugh, William, Company A, captured July 7, 1862, in Arkansas. 

Private Piatt, James, Company A, wounded July 6, 1862, at Cache River, 
Ark. 

Adjutant Power, William A., wounded June 27, 1862; prisoner at Shoal 
Creek, Ala., November 19, 1864. 

Sergeant Paddock, Charles B., Company K, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Parrish, L. D., Company L, wounded November 30, 1864. 

Private Price, B. F., Company M, wounded at Guntown, Miss., June 10, 
1864, losing left arm at shoulder. 

Private Phelps, Henry, Company M, prisoner of war; mustered out June, 
1865. 

Private Racus, John, Company E, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Lieutenant Rinker, James Henry, Company G, wounded at Pontotoc, Miss., 
June 12, 1864, in thigh and foot. 

Corporal Rinker, William, Company G, prisoner of war; mustered out 
May 15, 1865. 

Private Read, William P, Company G, prisoner of war; mustered out Febru- 
ary, 1865. 

Private Rasor, Thomas, Company I, lost an arm July 12, 1864; prisoner of 
war; mustered out February 13, 1865. 

Sergeant Rose, Charles, Company L, prisoner in 1862; was paroled. 

Sergeant Robinson, Thomas G., Company M, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Riner, William, Company M, prisoner of war November 19, 1864; 
escaped January 1, 1865. 

Major Shattuck, L. L., wounded at Coffeeville, Miss., in August, 1864. 

Private Strapp, Peter, Company A, prisoner of war; mustered out July 8, 
1865. 

Sergeant Strong, Miles H., Company I, wounded and prisoner, November 
24, 1864. 

Corporal Scott, Reuben A, Company E, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Slick, Phillip, Company E, prisoner of war. 

Private Sturmis, Herman D., Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Private Shelton, John, Company L, wounded June 12, 1862. 



448 HISTORY OF THE 

., Private Sheppard, William, Company L, wounded March 4, 1862. 

Private Shackley, C. D., Company M, prisoner of war November 19, 1864; 
mustered out in 1865. 

Private Schrine, Justus, Company M, prisoner of war; mustered out July 8, 
1865. 

Private Sherman, Robert H., Company M, wounded February 22, 1864, at 
Okolona, Miss. 

Sergeant Shapley, Charles, Company M, wounded December 15, 1864. 

Captain Spinney, J. O. H., Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Private Sherlock, James, Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Private Shattuck, M., Company I, wounded December 15, 1864. 

Private Tell, Swan, Company E, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Taylor, Harman, Company E, prisoner of war. 

Private Talcott, Dwight L., Company I, captured at Campbellville, Tenn.; 
prisoner of war; mustered out June 3, 1865. 

Sergeant Teas, William J., Company I, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Tipping, John, Company I, prisoner of war; mustered out July 8, 
1865. 

Private Tracy, F. L., Company I, wounded December 15, 1864. 

Corporal Thisler, Edward, Company M, wounded in 1863, and a prisoner of 
war; mustered out November 10, 1864. 

Private Van Brunt, C. H., Company L, wounded November 30, 1864. 

Private Van Arsdale, Company M, wounded June 27, 1863. 

Major Wallis, William, J., wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Walsh, William, Company A, prisoner August 18, 1863. 
Private Walsh, Andrew, A., Company A, prisoner August 21, 1863. 

Private Way, George EL, Company A, prisoner of war, November 19, 1864; 
mustered out June 7, 1865. 

Private George F. Walker, Company D, wounded at Augusta, Ark., May, 
1862. 

Sergeant White, C. C, Company D, prisoner August 22, 1863, on Grenada 
raid in Libby and Belle Isle prisons; paroled at Richmond, March 7, 1864. 

Private Williams. Alfred, Company E, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Wilson, Samuel, Company E, wounded at Moscow, December 4, 
1863; lost right hand. 

Sergeant Wilkinson, Volney S., Company K, wounded at Franklin, No- 
vember 30, 1864; paroled prisoner. 

Private Wilkinson, John C, Company K, prisoner, December 1, 1864; 
paroled. 

Private Ward, Nelson, Company K, prisoner of war; mustered out May 9, 
1865. 

Private Wilder, John R., Company K, wounded June 12, 1862. 

Private Wood, Ira B., Company L, wounded June 27, 1862. 

Private Wahans, Hahns, Company L, wounded June 27, 1862. 



NDEX TO PERSONAL SKETCHES. 



PAGE. 

Asay, William 350 

Angle, Daniel L 204 

Anderson, Walter B 303 

Abbott, Othman A 314 

Abbott, B. K 315 

Avery, John H 349 

Anderson, Augustus B 237 

Austin, Alex 341 

Brackett, Albert G 191 

Burgh, Harry B 19") 

Bish' p, Linus D 200 

Briggs, O. Winsor 211 

Brayton, Gideon F 211 

Brackett, Charles 208 

Brackett, Joseph W 204 

Brackett, James W 210 

Blackburn ,William C 217 

Braff ett, T. W. O 233 

Buckles, John S 247 

Blakemore, Charles W 2i7 

Benton, William M 217 

Butler, Erastus G 280 

Boone, George H 281 

Buel, Henry M 291 

Booth, Louis P 337 

Brown, Azra F 293 

Bailey, Stewart J 293 

Bruner, Frank C 222 

Bowser, Perry B 270 

Bailey, William E 338 

Bell, Joshua 340 

Clark, Atherton 202 

Carpenter, John H 338 

Christy, Geo. B 208 

Cantello, Frank 204 

Cowen, Llwellyn 257 

Chidister, William M 314 

Cameron, Charles S 327 

Conn, Geo. W 258 

Cunningham, Edward 304 

Cross, Geo. B 339 

Cook, Asa P 350 

Castor, Henry H 220 

Crawford, William P 220 

Cleland, Samuel D 222 

Coon, Datus E 215 

Campbell, Leonard W 241 



Dack, Chris. G 217 



PAGE. 

Davenport, Edward A 206 

Davison, Smith A 248 

Davison, John L 249 

Dillon, William C 351 

Davis, Samuel B 259 

Devendorf , Ervin 294 

Ellsworth, Richard D 268 

Eberhart, John R 219 

Eaton, Thomas W 269 

Fitzpatrick, Patrick V 212 

Fritzon, Nelson J 213 

Feigel, Fred C 353 

Gifford, Ira R 200 

Gallino, Benjamin D 339 

Gillespie, John N 339 

Harper, Joseph W 192 

Humphrey, Hector J 195 

Hough, Rosell M. . 198 

Hemenway, Stacy 209 

Halliday, Francis H 210 

Harrington, Ransom 231 

Harding, Fred W 248 

Hazlett, James H 258 

Heald, Dwight S 280 

Haner, Charles M 269 

Hill, Henry F 281 

Huntington, Henry A 293 

Hanchett, Seth F 351 

Harkness, Edwin 340 

Hawkins, Hiram A 259 

Hawes, Jesse 316 

Hillier, David 216 

Hatch, Edward 214 

Horton, Charles C 215 

Knox, Joseph H 202 

Kelly, Patrick 257 

Kinzie, Arthur M 235 

Knight, Eliphalet R 349 

Knight, Curtis L 212 

Kilmer, Jerry C 237 

Keller, George M 222 

Jergens, Christopher H 2S1 

Jenner, Harvey M 314 

Luce, Edwin W 303 

Lowe, John B 352 



449 



450 



INDEX. 



PAGE. 

McMannus, William 201 

McArthur, Francis II 248 

McNair, Thomas J 2:54 

McMahon, John H 258 

MeClure, Alexander W 304 

Manville, Charles P 2134 

Marshall, Charles M 248 

Murray, James H 304 

Magee, James F 282 

Morrison, Thomas E 205 

Major, Samuel 351 

Manning, Charles D 315 

Mock, Anthony R 198 

Niemeyer, Fred C 280 

Nance, Albinus 304 

Olmsted, George W 341 

Ott, Edward P 282 

Power, William A 202 

Perkins, Marland L 279 

Petteys, Stephen 249 

Purviance, Samuel 268 

Pullman, Charles L 280 

Prather, Henry 303 

Page, Robert C 304 

Prickett, Oliver T 328 

Price. George A 211 

Price, Samuel H 204 

Price, B. Frank 352 

Paddock, Solomon A 193 

Ratz, Benjamin 258 

Robinson, Fred P 315 

Roberts, Sidney 292 

Rockwood, Samuel 203 

Reed, George B 293 

Riner, Jacob 351 

Rinker, Willism 293 

Rinker, James H 292 



PAGE. 

Shattuck, Leander L 201 

Showalter, JohnT 234 

Stampoffski, Bernard F 279 

Smith, James 280 

Scammon, Charles T 203 

Smith, John J 213 

Sowerby, Frank W 303 

Spinney, Joseph O. H 327 

Summers, Samuel S 340 

Sheffield, Frank 205 

Shear, Jacob 350 

Salter, Malachi 282 

Strong, M. H 315 

Sherman, Robert H 353 

Selleck, A. C 318 

Sickles, Hiram F 194 

Stevenson, Thomas W 202 

Talcott, Dwight L 317 

Van Sant, Samuel R 221 

Van Sant, Nicholas G 221 

Vore, Harrison C 291 

Van Dolson Ernest 292 

Webster, George P 219 

White, Charles C 259 

Weirick, Spencer T 268 

Wilkinson, Benjamin 269 

Wilson Eugene C 269 

Westbrook, Abner H 314 

Woodworth, Frank 328 

Wilkinson, Volney S 328 

Wilder, John R 328 

Wood, Ira B 341 

Wallis, William J 199 

Waterbury, Charles M 202 

Walker, William E 213 

Warner, John E 292 



INDEX TO PORTRAITS. 



Page 

Captain John H. Avery 132 

Lieutenant William M. Benton 132 

Captain Louis F. Booth 132 

Surgeon Charles Brackett 64 

Lieutenant-Colonel Harry B. Burgh... 24 

Captain John H. Carpenter 338 

Surgeon George B. Christy 202 

General Datus E. Coon 172 

Lieutenant Edward A. Davenport 98 

Captain Smith A. Davison 248 

Thomas W. Eaton, Company E 268 

Sergeant-Major Patrick V. Fitzpatrick 182 
John M. Fletcher, Company E 132 



Page. 

Wesley T. Foster, Company K 132 

Major Ira R. Gifford 132 

Captain Ransom Harrington 188 

Jesse Hawes, Company 1 324 

Sergeant Hiram A. Hawkins 256 

Assistant-Surgeon Stacy Hemenway 158 

Sergeant Charles D . Manning 314 

Lieutenant-Colonel Anthony R. Mock.. 42 

Benjamin F. Price, Company M 354 

Sergeant-Major George A. Price 108 

Lieutenant Charles L. Pullman 280 

Lieutenant John T. Showalter 146 

Sergeant Charles C. White 262 



ERRATA. 

In Table of Contents, Chapter XXV, " W. H. Hecker" should read " William Kinker." 

On page 365, from "New York Tribune," should read "Chicago Tribune." 

Page 202, Major Clark mustered out Oct. 31, 1865. 

Page 214, Otto A. Willis, enlisted from Hloom, January 23, 1805, promoted hospital 

steward. 
Pag-e220, Win. V. Crawford, born 1833. 



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